INDEPENDANCE DAY

 INDEPENDANCE DAY AND DIVERSITY

UWC Costa Rica is a very special UWC school. First of all, it is because in the past, the school was aimed to provide an education for the children of the SOS children villages organization in Costa Rica before becoming UWC. Secondly, it is because, the school has a special relationship with the community of Santa Ana. In fact, UWCCR is very involved in the activities of the community and does not hesitate to involve its students as well.

Each year on 15^th of September, the community of Santa Ana organizes a parade to celebrate the Costa Rican independence day. During this day, UWC students dress in their finest traditional costumes and participate to this important event of the community. The goal is to show the diversity of this beautiful community and show our commitment to its cultural activities. This year I had the chance to participate to this event. What can I say ... What an explosion of colors and diversity !!

It is during this special moment that you can see the diversity of the school. Above all, you will learn about countries and regions that were unknown to you. Especially in Asia, which is composed of a bunch of cultures and differences. I refer to all who think that all Asians are Chinese! Indeed, we start thinking differently about regions. Then stereotypes and biases start fade away and let appear a story that you would never have known, even in a geography or history class. Nepal, Indonesia, Bhutan, Vietnam, China, Japan and more… I cannot name them all! The purpose, is to discover the others, to appreciate their potentialities, create connections and bonds around the world.

Moreover, it is the perfect time for different regions of the world, to be together and show their union. Especially, for the African community that represents just a minority

in UWCCR. North, East and West Africans, we are one and same family at this moment. We can see how close we are and if you look at further you can see the few similarities and values that we share. We do not hesitate sometimes to exchange flags just for fun and for being for a while in the shoes of the other nationality.

 Most importantly, the population of Santa Ana is very warm and pleasant. The residents show their enthusiasm and joy front of all these cultures. They can even often call you for a little picture here and there, but nothing wrong. The community is very curious to see these mixtures of cultures and does not hesitate to ask questions to know us better. We learn but we also impact and educate our community.

  

 By speaking of pictures, it's the perfect time to make memories and share your culture with others. I do not know how many times I was told that my Faso Danfani dress was pretty or that my hat from Saponé was nice! 

 

I enjoyed sharing with my co-year a little bit of my culture, explain the assets of my country and let them know more about where I come from. Burkina Faso, is not that well famous, mainly it is caused by the lack of representation that it has around the world. That is why, Burkina Faso people should be proud of their  culture and should not be afraid to share it around the world, because our culture is beautiful and impact.

 

 I believe that this parade has helped highlighting the culture of Burkina Faso, in an environment that includes more than 30 nationalities. I can say then, that day, the Burkinabe culture went around the world. All of this without an airplane, a passport or even a visa. This is the culture at UWC! It is about going around the world through differences and diversity, opening up to others to share the best moment.

I leave you with these few shots of the parade. Enjoy this melting pot of colors, let’s call it a day and let’s meet again for another adventures in my universe.

 PEACE!!