F.M. Heard's event will showcase 16 different cultures
Jan 27, 2010 - 02:32 PM
By Parvaneh Pessian
WHITBY -- An assortment of cultures will have an opportunity to interact as F.M. Heard Public School's ninth cultural caravan gears up for another colourful celebration.
The event, held bi-annually for the past 18 years, allows people from various backgrounds to share their history and identity with others.
"Because of the cultural diversity we have in our school, it really is a celebration and reflection of how we are together as one," said Jennifer Elberdi, chairwoman of the parents' committee of volunteers in charge of organizing the event.
There will be a pavilion of different countries set up in the Whitby school's indoor classrooms and gym, where family and friends can display their ethnic backgrounds. Each room will be adorned with unique features from a total of 16 different cultures, including food, traditional practices, dances and many more.
The goal is to capture the interest of the children, ranging from kindergarten to Grade 8, and educate them about multiculturalism.
"It's a great way to bring different cultures together and exhibit them so students can learn more about the different cultures that are out there and to appreciate the differences between them," said Nina Di Trapani, a parent volunteer who will be hosting the Italian pavilion.
Participants can "travel the world" with an Olympic Caravan passport to discover various treasures, including books, artwork and music, she added.
This year's theme will be "Together through Sport," in honour of the 2010 Winter Olympics, being held next month in Vancouver. Organizers for each pavilion will have an opportunity to showcase what their nation is best known for when it comes to athletics.
"Many of the kids don't know that the Olympics are coming so it's a good way of getting them into the spirit of it and because it's being held in Canada this year, it makes it that much more special," said Ms. Elberdi, who has three children attending the school and will be hosting the Moroccan pavilion at this year's event.
Some of the features of previous cultural caravans have been interactive displays, samurai sword demonstrations, and henna designs.
The cultural caravan will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28 at F.M. Heard Public School, 100 Garden St. in Whitby.
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