Factory Shoals Middle and Sweetwater Elementary schools recently hosted special cultural exchange events with food samplings and other festivities.
At Factory Shoals, Intalage teachers from India including Damodar Thonupunoori, Ramakrishna Peelapati, Rekha Rani Kattuboyina, Gladys Sailaja Merugumalla and Balasubramanyam Rudraboyina organized the cultural exchange event, which was aimed at promoting cultural diversity and understanding among students and staff, according to Media Specialist Katrina Barnett.
Teachers got to enjoy a variety of native foods from different cultures, including dishes such as Chicken 65, lemon rice and onion pakoda.
“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to showcase the rich tapestry of cultures represented within our school and to provide our students and staff with valuable opportunities for cross-cultural learning and engagement,” Barnett said.
At Sweetwater, Program for Exceptional Children teacher Rahmath Sultana recently observed Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting for 30 days with reflection, prayer and self-discipline.
To mark the end of the month, Sultana invited teachers and staff to a celebration that included a sampling of symbolic dishes that are traditionally enjoyed during Eid al-Fitr, the festival that follows Ramadan. The dishes included Chicken Biryani, Prawn Biryani, and Sheer Khurma, each carrying its own significance and flavor.
“Everyone enjoyed learning about this celebration and the tasty food that accompanied it!” said Angela Shepard, health monitor at Sweetwater.
