What do a group of teenagers in Spring Hill, FL have in common with refugees in Tanzania, Africa? Nothing much, except a bond of friendship.
People to People International (PTPI) is world-wide in scope, having branches in 160 countries on six continents – North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Zealandia (where New Zealand is located).
The organization creates lasting cross-cultural connections between citizens around the world to help them explore global issues, serve and enrich their diverse communities and become more effective leaders in creating a more peaceful world.
According to 12th grader Kayla Magrini, president of Springstead’s chapter, “People to People has student chapters all over the world. Every year we get assigned a different sister chapter. We’re able to correspond and talk to them and find out more about their culture. This year we got assigned the Nyarugusu refugee camp. They are working on an HIV and Aids prevention program in their club.”
Hannah Clark, also a 12th grader, corresponds by email with the adult sponsor at the camp – Elias Msoshi. A native of Africa, he has been at Nyarugusu for over twenty years.
Ms. Clark stated, “A lot of the refugees are orphans. They have no school there, so they aren’t well educated at all. That particular camp has had an influx of refugees recently from nearby Burundi, so the situation is even worse than it was.”
When asked how being involved with the People to People Club changed her view of the world, Kayla replied, “It made me see how communicating with other people all over the world is so easy these days. It’s inspired me to want to help more now that I know how easy it is. Last year we were talking with people in Romania, now we’re talking to people in Africa.”
Hannah added, “I realized that not everyone is the same. I grew up kind of in a “bubble” living in the United States. It made me see that everyone is different, but they’re still the same in many ways. Talking with the man from the refugee camp and considering all he’s gone through, it’s amazing how he can be so upbeat.”
Members of the Spanish and Latin Clubs also participated in the Ethnic Night. Colorful posters adorned the walls of the cafeteria where the festival was held. Entertainment included folk dances and music performed by the students. Samplings of ethnic food prepared by the high schoolers and their parents included French crepes, Guatemalan pulled pork and Indian dishes.
Mosammat Khatun, from Bangladesh, mother of one of the students had prepared two dishes native to India. One was an entrée called Pakara made from lentils, cabbage and other vegetables. The other was a dessert called Mishti.
She explained, “Mishti is made with whole milk, heavy cream, buttermilk, sugar, water and flour. It took me two days to make it.”
Mosammat and her husband, MD Tariqul Islam, immigrated to the United States with their eldest daughter and son. Their younger daughter was born here in 2014.
She continued, “We came here to get a better education and to raise our children in a better place.”
Art Department students had made chalk drawings on the sidewalk and walls outside, most of which took hours of work both during and after school. Attendees were invited to vote on the best artwork. First place went to Toni Pandolfo’s drawing of a sea maiden surrounded by fish. Hannah Du-Bois won second place with her colorful Disney drawings. A fanciful Hogwarts Express drawing garnered third place for Kayla Du-Bois.
The People to People Club at Springstead High School sponsored an ethnic festival on Friday, April 21. Parents, teachers and students participated in the event. Their purpose was not only to have fun and share the cultures of many countries, but also to raise money for the Nyarugusu refugee camp in Tanzania, Africa. The refugee camp is a “sister” chapter to the local organization.
Another parent who attended the event was Kesler Gerard, Sr. Mr. Gerard, who works for the U.S. postal service came to the United States from Haiti in 1991. His son, Kesler, participated in the dances, played a song on the keyboard and also drew one of the chalk illustrations along with his friend, Jerry Lee.
Ms. Suzanne Minanda, sponsor of the school’s chapter stated, “We hope next year to make this more of a community event by involving the local Spring Hill Art Club, businesses, organizations and individuals.”
The slogan of People to People International is “Peace through Understanding.” These young men and women at Springstead High School are living the motto through their dedication to this cause.
For more information on People to People International go to www.ptpi.org. You can also like their Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/PTPI.eu/.
To find out more about Springstead High School’s People to People Club or donate to its fund-raising efforts for the Nyarugusu Refugee Camp contact club sponsor Ms. Suzanne Miranda at 352-797-7010.