Dubai International Academy celebrates International Day

DIA has a student body of over 1,695 students from 73 different nationalities plus over 200 staff members from 23 different nationalities. Their combined efforts in collaboration with the Parents Association of DIA (PADIA) once again helped make the event a great success.

The excitement and colours of the varied cultures of DIA students came alive on this vibrant occasion. Students came dressed in their national costumes and traditional attires for this special get-together while their families also joined in the fun.

The school grounds was essentially transformed into a global village. The "World Stage" that was set up at the grounds, was the centre of attraction where performances and folklore of several countries including the UAE, USA, Australia, Denmark, Cook Islands, Turkey, Tunisia, Finland, India, Iran, Palestine, Pakistan and Papua New Guinea, among many others, entertained the large number of people celebrating this cultural diversity and fusion of festival, food, fashion and flags.

Indian students exhibited their skills as entertainers the Bollywood way, as they moved rhythmically to popular hits including the song "Jai Ho" from the Oscar award winning film, Slumdog Millionaire.

Dominic Mchugh, from Papua New Guinea was among the group of students who first took centre stage performing the Haka, a traditional Maori dance of New Zealand and the "war cry" of the renowned All Blacks rugby team.

"International Day is truly a celebration of world cultures, and gives us the opportunity to learn about traditions and rituals of different nations. Papua New Guinea is close to New Zealand, so I was quite eager and excited to join my friends from New Zealand and perform the Haka"

he said.

Parents and families of students also set up displays and stalls representing their homelands giving visitors a glimpse into traditions and cuisines of the world. At some stalls visitors could even taste local cuisine including food prepared at the traditional tent of the UAE, which was a big crowd puller.

Ms. Poonam Bhojani, Executive Director, DIA, said: "International Day is a celebration of diversity at Dubai International Academy. It is a momentous day for all of us, as it gives us an opportunity to get a better understanding of different cultures and help further enhance friendship and harmony between people from various nationalities. International Day has become an annual affair thanks to the close collaboration between pupils, DIA Academic and Administrative team and the parent community led by PADIA, the Parents Association of DIA".

Ms. Bhojani presented a bouquet of flowers to members of PADIA in appreciation of their efforts in organising International Day.

Bota Sarina, from Kazakhstan was among hundreds of parents who had set up country displays showcasing the culture, history and communities of their respective nations. The display included a range of traditional products and sweets from this Central Asian state.

"I am at a loss for words at this fantastic event. This is the first time that Kazakhstan is being represented at International Day, so it is very special for us. Not many in the world know that we have a nomadic culture. The items that we are displaying reflect our traditional lifestyle", said Bota, whose son Amir Amantay is a Year 6 student at DIA.

Barbara Klaver , from the Netherlands, was at the event with her two children, Kees and Maud. "It is great to get to know about other cultures and see people from other countries. You know, back in Holland, my kids will probably see only Dutch kids all the time".