By Vlada Derkach, Year 10
La Grande Boissière is the oldest of the three campuses and has seen a fair share of different nationalities and cultures from all around the world. So, what kind of impact did these multicultural traditions have throughout their many years at Ecolint?
Every year, LGB makes sure to try and include as many events from different parts of the world as possible. For example, the festival of lights, Diwali, is celebrated in India every year as a sign of good defeating evil. This tradition also takes place in the school, celebrated with traditional dances and henna tattoos, helping to include traditions that were passed on for generations.
Another great example of cultural diversity is the Semaine de la Francophonie, where French-speaking performers are invited to CDA to share their culture with everyone in the school. This reminds us that French speakers do not only reside in France, but also in Geneva, Belgium and Canada! Did you know that French is the official language of 29 countries? La Semaine de la Francophonie helps to discover interesting facts about the French-speaking part of the world, and how diverse it is from each other.
When talking about sharing the traditions of cultures at LGB, no one can forget about Kermesse, a beautiful event that sadly lasts only a day. During the Kermesse, various stands of traditional, homemade food from different nations will be available for students and parents to try. However, food stands aren’t the only interesting part of Kermesse. A variety of games are present, and even a small stand with books and decorative objects is open to the public! Go alone or with friends and learn all about the different nationalities at LGB.
Access to books such as “Great Kingdoms Of Africa” allow students to explore different cultures in the other parts of the world and educate themselves about the different religions and traditions practised. Through literature, people who might be from different continents or countries can still feel connected to each other, building tight bonds between students, parents and teachers alike.
Trips to Zambia, India, and Senegal are all different experiences, and all of them explore different cultures and people. Creating connections on behalf of the whole LGB. These humanitarian projects are designed to make people bond with one another despite their vast differences in culture.
Diversity is the core concept of our school. There are more than 80 nationalities within the campus, with each person having a different history of generations behind them. These celebrations of Diwali, Chinese New Year, or the Semaine de la Francophonie all help bring these differences closer together instead of separating them like they usually are. That is the fundamental strategy for peace, another core concept of the school. We live in a peaceful, respectful community who strives to look past the differences of cultures and focus on what is the true mission of Ecolint – peace and respect for all human beings alike, despite their gender, religion, or nationality. The opportunities that the school provides, help fulfil this mission against war, discrimination, and disrespect.
