The Year of Reconciliation

Every year, the United Nations puts out themes to raise international awareness of those themes and to try to bring the different nations of the world a bit closer together.  One of this year's themes, and the theme that we used at the school was the Year of Reconciliation.  Our goal was to incorporate the theme into what we were doing in our different classes, celebrate the diversity of our student body, and come to a close with an international food festival.  

Unfortunately, I did not bring reconciliation into my classroom.  I wanted to come up with something a bit political and things to really make them think about their perceptions on things and take them out of their comfort zone.  But every topic that I could come up with seemed forced and I really try not to squeeze things into my class subject matter if it doesn't fit with what we are doing.  Authenticity and honesty with my students is pretty important to me and I think if I used some of the suggestions that I was given, they would see right through it and they would easily tell that I didn't buy into it.  And that is an issue as you are building and maintaining a culture in your classroom.  I know, I know, mathematicians and people have to reconcile bank accounts and what not all the time.  But I felt that was too obvious for my kids and again they would see right through it.  

But this is not the reason of this post.  The real reason is the ending celebration at the international food festival.  At first, I really didn't want to go.  It cost me $30 TT (which is only $5 USD) and I heard you only get little portions of food.  I also envisioned that there were just going to be these little booths like at a county fair or carnival or something and you just went up to them and tried something new.  I couldn't be further from the truth.

The food festival took up the entire gym.  The school parking lot was filled and cars were parked on both sides of the street all around the block near the school.  There was not much room to walk once you got inside and every country that was represented had their tables decorated with native fabrics, decorations, pictures, etc.  All the people working were wearing traditional clothing from their country and the vibe in there was electric.  You know how people always gather in the kitchen at parties and that's really where the party is at?  Well this kitchen was the size of a gymnasium, so it was a good party.  Lots of smiles on people faces, lots of full bellies, and if there were alcohol there, I don't think anyone would have left.

It actually was a really good thing that you only got little samples of things.  I ate so much in the 2 hours I was there, I thought I was going to burst.  I had food from Pakistan, India, Costa Rica, Panama (you have to try the Sopa de Amor if you're ever in Panama.  It's a dessert that may have won top prize in my informal dessert competition), El Salvador, Venezuela (the Tres Leches cake running neck and neck with the Sopa de Amor for dessert first place), Syria, Lebanon, Canada, Russia, China, West Africa, and of course Trinidad.  There were also some other places that didn't have vegetarian options and a couple that I found at the end of my tour of the world (the US, Indonesia, France), but there was just no room left in my tummy.  

So the theme was the year of reconciliation and at times I think some of these countries were at war in my stomach.  But after having some time to rest and think things over (a nice long nap), I think they all found peace.  If only it were that easy.  Get everyone together and share food and drink and see each other as people, not as images of ignorance, hate and anger.