Thanks to everyone who came out for USES’s International Night!

by Riley Burfeind, AmeriCorps VISTA Community Engagement Coordinator

Check out more photos on our Facebook page!

For the fourth event of the Family Engagement Series, USES hosted an International Night on Thursday, May 23rd! The event featured four members of the USES community from Ethiopia, India, Portugal, and Puerto Rico who hosted stations with colorful displays, interactive activities, and delicious homemade food.

Upon arrival, families received “passports” containing a brief bio of each participant, some fun facts about their country, and questions to ponder. There was also a space for participants to collect stamps as they travelled around the room, confirming a deeper understanding of the unique cultures, geographies, and histories represented. Throughout the evening, kids made paper lanterns in India, played mancala in Ethiopia, tried the famous Queijadinhas pastry in Portugal, and learned about festivals celebrated in Puerto Rico. In addition, a large world map displayed on the wall allowed families to mark where they’re from, where they’ve been, and where they want to go with colored stickers.

Not only did International Night celebrate the rich cultural diversity within our community, it also sparked meaningful conversations between kids and their parents/caregivers surrounding their own heritage and identity. Thank you to our amazing participants and to all the families that joined us!

We’d also like to thank the Center of Community Service at Northeastern for their generous support in funding the Family Engagement Series.