Celebrating culture

Students break from routine to take part in a three-day event that celebrated the customs and traditions unique to their countries. Manal Ismail reports from the University of Wollongong in Dubai

Festive colours, oriental décor and a variety of fun games and activities filled the halls of the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) recently when students had the opportunity to share their cultures and customs.

Titled 'The World in UOWD', students crowded the venue in their traditional dress, eager to display their heritages.

Traditional music echoed through the halls as students danced their way into the hearts of classmates and guests. Other activities included food fairs, henna application and fashion shows.

Break from reality
Students said the event gave them a chance to relax and "just chill" with their friends and classmates while expressing their cultural traditions; a break from the daily routine of work and study.

"Normally these events are only held for a day," said Hafsa Abdul Majid, a B.Com student. "However this one lasted for three days and it really gives us a break from our studies and the normal stress factors in our lives."

Many other students shared Majid's feelings, saying they wished events like these were more frequent and lasted longer throughout the year.

"It's not just the fact that the event is happening - it's the way the event is carried out," said Fariha Karim, a bachelor of business adminstration (BBA) student. "Everything is so colourful and attractive in terms of the décor and the way everyone is dressed."

Describing it as "candy for the eyes", students said that the event was a colourful break from the dull "black and white realities of life".

Chance for expression
Cultural stalls were erected throughout the venue, where students could pick up a souvenir, a snack, or simply learn about a particular country.

Dana Abu Rahma, a computer science student, and Lubna Hamada, a BBA student, were representing Palestine. They said the event was an excellent opportunity to inform their friends and classmates about their culture.

Hamada said that students approached them with questions about a variety of topics - from general knowledge to details on the current status of Palestine.

"Some students came to us having never heard of the country before," she said. "Others want to learn more about our traditions and customs. Still others ask us how the country is doing now and share their sympathy for the never-ending turmoil in the region."

For many students it was the first time that they were representing their countries.

"It's the first year that Bangladesh has had a stall in this event," said Rita Akter, a B.Com student representing Bangladesh.

"For the past 15 years in UOWD we have never been represented because no one wanted to take the initiative. But this year we decided to change this."

Akter and her friends Mohammad Nissar and Farhana Zaman, both B-Com students, said that as they are part of the university community they should also have representation.

"We also exist in this college," Akter said. "We see all the others doing something to express the culture of their country, so why don't we also do our part?"

Hard work pays off
Stalls were decorated with handmade crafts and artwork; it played a significant role in creating the festive atmosphere that pervaded every corner of the campus.

"We worked for three days non-stop on the crafts we used for our stall," said Nissar.

"And now a lot of people come and ask us what this work symbolises and how it relates to our country. It's really a great experience building a structure that resembles an important part of your country with your bare hands and then having the opportunity to share its meaning with your friends."