Ballycraigy Primary School has pupils from different cultures and backgrounds
Ballycraigy is probably better known for its bonfires than its breakfasts and lunches, but that changed this week when its primary school hosted a tasting of foods from around the world.
It was part of a whole school week exploring inclusion and diversity.
An Antrim school has decided to hold a Cultural Diversity Week due to an increase in the number of pupils at the school coming from other countries.
Headteacher Kerry Wilson said she wanted to make sure all pupils felt welcome at Ballycraigy Primary School.
“Within our school we have increasing numbers of students coming from different cultures and backgrounds, and we want everyone within the Ballycraigy community to feel part of it,” she said.
Our inclusive ethos is one of care, so everyone is welcome here at our school.
Ballycraigi pupils enjoy tasting food
Nosipho Mozvidziwa moved to Northern Ireland from South Africa last year. Her daughter is a pupil at Ballycraigy Primary School, and said she was comforted by the warm welcome.
“Coming to this country was not easy for us,” she explained.
“We don't know anyone here and we don't have any family or anything.
“So, dedicating an inclusion week to Ballycraigy Primary School and making us feel part of the family is very important. I don't take that for granted.”
Nosipho said she did not face any problems about her race in Ballykrige. “Everyone is hugging us,” she said. “I am happy here now.”
Nosipho Muzvidziwa moved to Northern Ireland from South Africa
Among the delicacies on offer at the gastronomic tasting are Chinese soup, Indian dal and fruits from South America.
One of the students, Kwabena, also known as KO, brought some pasta which is popular in Ghanaian culture.
“My friends absolutely loved the pasta; “They hadn't tried it before, but it was a bit spicy.”
His friend Addison said she hadn't tried it yet, but added, “I think it's amazing.”
