Children visit street fair through OVIC’s passport program
(L): A view of the street fair from the very center of the court street, (R): A symbolic exhibit "Hands for Peace"
By, Maria Gallucci
Communications Assistant, Center for International Studies.
Children from Athens County experienced the world this spring, and they have the passports to prove it. However, not one really left the country. As the children sampled various ethnic foods and danced to musical performances, they received a stamp from each country represented in the annual International Street Fair on May 19.
“This is the first time the organizers of International Week have taken an initiative to bring kids of the community to the street fair,” said Masudul Biswas, a graduate student in Communication and Development Studies.
Students from various area schools were invited by the Ohio Valley International Council to encourage their presence at the street fair. Cultural consultants, who are international students from Ohio University, joined the children before the fair began, handing them flags of different countries of the world to carry in a flag procession.
“Carrying the flag of another country might make you want to meet someone from that place or learn more about it,” said Laura Schaeffer, director of outreach for the Center for International Studies.
Cheerful kids holding flags
After the procession, children were given passports to receive stamps from the various booths of international student organizations and cultural and language associations, said Biswas.
“These activities encourage communication across cultures,” said Schaeffer. “Experiences like these break down barriers, develop understanding amongst people and contribute to the making of a more peaceful world.”
Kids ready for flag procession
Cultural consultants who helped with the event include Biswas, Sopheap Phan, Nathan and Mijung Olah, Christina Hagenbaugh, Omolola Famuyiwa and Salah Noureldin.