Nigerian Virtual Culture Exchange Session Pre Primary Swan

A  cultural exchange session allows students to be introduced to hitherto unfamilar cultures, new languages etc.

The Pre Primary students of The Indian School-Second Shift had an opportunity to engage with Ms Peace, a teacher in Nigeria, and her class of students on the evening of 28 October 2021.

Our tiny tots welcomed Ms Peace and her students waving the Nigerian and Indian flags. The session started with the national anthem sung by Shankyanii followed by Nouman who shared the different languages we speak and about India being the second most populous country in the world.

Our students shared some interesting facts about Indian culture, her festivals, currency, climatic conditions, diverse dress worn by people of the different parts, different foods etc.

Nouman and Sharib exuded pride and confidence as they shared information about iconic Indian monuments like the Taj Mahal, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, among other monuments that speak volumes of India’s glorious heritage.

Ms Peace told the children about her country, about its two rivers and their national flag conceptualised on the basis of these two rivers. She informed us that the name originally comes from the Niger river which flows through the country. She also shared that the Nigerian people celebrate National Day on 1st October every year.

Ms Peace shared the story behind celebrating the Yam festival to mark the beginning of a new sowing season. Yam is consumed in various popular dishes. She said that fish is culturally important for them and they celebrate the fish catching festival annually.

The little students from Nigeria informed their Indian peers that the official language of their country is English and that Ibibio is their regional language. They translated a few words in Ibibio, much to the delight of the young Foundationers. It was a joy to watch them trying to pick up pronunciations of words like Emidi, the word for welcome and Sosongo, which means thank you.

Ms Peace’s presentation captivated the young students as they were curious and excited to learn new things about Nigeria. The session concluded with Gaurika and Faiza reciting Diwali ditties. Though separated by miles of land and sea, both sides bonded over mutual interests.

Time flew by as the engaging session seemed to bind the two cultures. It was a thoroughly enjoyable learning experience.