November 20, 2024 (Perth, ON) - The cafeteria at Perth & District Collegiate Institute (PDCI) was buzzing last week as the school’s international students prepared and shared traditional dishes.
The PDCI Cultural Food Fair saw a dozen food stations line the wall of the cafeteria, introducing students and staff to global culinary creations from countries such as Japan, Belgium and Spain alongside Canadian delicacies from Quebec, Newfoundland, and Indigenous communities.
Enthusiastic students worked the food stations and served up a wide variety of appetizers and entrées, and behind each station was a hand-made poster that offered some background into the country or region from which the dish originated.
The international students were proud to offer a taste of their home’s culture and customs, while local students got to sample dishes they might have never tried or knew existed.
Local PDCI ambassadors teamed up with the international students to help them cook up and plate their delicious creations. The International Education Ambassador Program was launched at UCDSB secondary schools in late 2023-24. Through this program, local students are grouped with new international students to help ensure a smooth introduction to the school and community. Results have shown increased cultural learning, social integration and friendship development for everyone involved.
Having the international students and ambassadors cook together further enhanced the experience for all involved, and saw the students truly bond in the kitchen.
“The thing I love about the food fair is that our international students get to invite a Canadian friend to help them prepare their dish,” said PDCI guidance counsellor, special education teacher, and event organizer Rhonda Wright. “During the preparation of the meal our ambassadors and international students get to talk, and they get to know something about each other. It’s great to see the cooperation and fun and to see how our international students really do feel like they’re part of the school community.”
“It's not just about tasting food from around the world, it's also about having a social connection and being able to speak to different people and relate your experiences and learn new things,” added Grade 11 student ambassador Paige Kring. “It was a really fun experience for everyone.”
International student Wakana Mori appreciated the help of her new peers. “Today I made a Japanese stew with my friends. I was afraid of cooking because I'm not good at it, but everyone helped me. It was such a fun experience.”
“This event highlighted the cultural diversity at PDCI and the role of its new student ambassadors,” explained Matthew Raby, Executive Director of the UCDSB International Program. “The PDCI ambassadors were key to making the event a success and helping foster cultural exchange and collaboration at their school community and throughout the board.”