Wilbur Cross High School recently celebrated its sixth annual Arabic Festival, an event that highlights the importance of cultural understanding and community building through language. Organized by educators Hanan Elkamah and Carla Hazzam, the festival aims to share the richness of Arabic language, food, culture, and history with students.
Building Bridges Through Language
The festival, supported by Qatar Foundation International and the Cross PTA, featured a variety of activities designed to engage students in learning about the Arab world. Students participated in language-matching games, henna art, and enjoyed traditional Arabic food provided by Chap’s Grille, owned by Khalil Elsankary, a local business owner and volunteer.
Hanan Elkamah, who has been teaching Arabic at Cross since 2018, emphasized the festival’s role in promoting peace and understanding through cultural exchange. Her colleague, Carla Hazzam, a Christian who fled war in Lebanon, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the diversity within the Arab world and the importance of language as a tool for connection rather than division.
Student Engagement and Cultural Exchange
The festival drew participation from students of various backgrounds, including native Spanish, Pashto, Farsi, and Dari speakers, many of whom are enrolled in Arabic classes at Cross. Sophomore Alaa Alagami, a refugee from Syria, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share his culture and dispel misconceptions about his homeland.
Students like Matteo Perez and Abdiel Soto, both native Spanish speakers, took on the challenge of learning Arabic as a third language. They found the experience rewarding, noting the friendships and cultural insights gained through their studies.
Throughout the day, students engaged with activities that showcased the beauty and complexity of Arabic culture. From language-themed games to traditional dance performances by Connecticut Dance Oasis, the festival provided a vibrant atmosphere for learning and connection.
Expanding Cultural Awareness
The festival is part of a broader initiative within the district, with eight schools offering Arabic language courses. Teachers like Soha Osman, who grew up in Egypt, have witnessed the festival’s growth and its impact on students’ cultural awareness.
By fostering conversations and experiences that celebrate diversity, the Arabic Festival at Wilbur Cross High School serves as a testament to the power of education in bridging cultural divides and building a more inclusive community.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
