Carlene Clarke, assistant teacher, shows some kindergarten students a plate of Chinese dumplings as they take part in International Day at Sts Peter and Paul Preparatory School in St Andrew yesterday. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Freelance Photographer

THE TABLES were decorated with foods from different countries, and sections of the walls in the auditorium were draped with information on the various nations.

The children were also decked out in attire depicting their various nationalities and cultures. Here Jamaica's motto, 'Out of Many one People', seemed to reign supreme.

Welcome to International Day at the Sts Peter and Paul Preparatory School in Liguanea, St Andrew, where students are being socialised to the diversity of culture that excites their surroundings.

Appreciating diversity

Keisha Edward described it as "a day to show children our apprecia-tion and for the Jamaican students to get a glimpse into the lives of the other children".

There were East Indian, African, European and Latin American foods, which seemed to be the delight of many students who were eager to taste.

Nine-year-old Leon-Lee Young described as "excellent" tostitos dipped in queso con carne (cheese with meat). Christian Thompson tried to position himself in line for a fourth serving.

The children were somewhat out of control as they found things here and there that caught their attention.

A beat of the conga drum was met with a stern reprimand, but that did not stop other students from playing one more beat.

Noting that the island's people are of diverse cultures, Karen Siyanbola, principal, said the children do get along well.

She said that a few students, especially those whose main language is not English, tend to be a bit slower than others in the areas of language. Siyanbola noted, however, that they normally performed well in the numeric subject areas.

shernette.gillispie@gleanerjm.com