This year, to mark International Day, Clarke Road Secondary School students organized a unique event. On April 8, diplomats from several countries visited Clarke Road and gave presentations about their home countries. The presentations included everything from a fashion show to a Russian student’s description of what it is like to attend a Russian school.

The event had been planned by a group of 22 students over a one and half year period. Their efforts were rewarded on April 8 when diplomatic representatives from Italy, India, Russia, Sweden, Jamaica and South Africa spoke with students about their countries and their cultures.

"Last fall we went out to make presentations about Clarke Road in several embassies," said Clarke Road student Tisha Rice-Tong who co-organized the event with two other students. "We invited representatives from other countries to come and see Clarke Road and London."

International Day at Clarke Road began with a presentation by Dr. Ted Hewitt, Associate Vice-President of Research and International Relations at the University of Western Ontario. In his presentation, Dr. Hewitt noted that students today face the challenge of competing in a global market.

"Students must be exposed to different cultures to operate comfortably in multi-ethnic, multi-lingual environments," said Hewitt. "Those familiar with other cultures can also contribute to world peace."

Hewitt also congratulated Clarke Road students for organizing the International Day event.

After the opening remarks, the 200 students participating in International Day activities dispersed into classroom rooms to hear presentations from the diplomats. The presentations were diverse and included a lot of information about the countries that participated in the event.

Leona Hattingh, First Secretary with the High Commission of South Africa was at Clarke Road to talk about her home country. During her presentation, students watched a video on South Africa and discussed issues related to the country such as the history of apartheid and Nelson Mandela’s struggle.

"Students everywhere must understand that there is a relationship between countries," said Hattingh. "The International Day event is a very good concept. It is very interesting and I think a majority of students have gained from it."

Hattingh also said that she was impressed with Clarke Road students for having such a world view. "Global politics have some very difficult concepts. The students were able to grasp these concepts and contribute to the discussion. They were asking me very advanced questions – ones I usually get at universities."

Devkumer Sainani gave a detailed presentation on India. He noted that through International Day, students at Clarke Road had gained an awareness of other cultures.

"They have experienced India and other countries from what they have seen in the media," said Sainani. "Through presentations like this we hope to give them a better understanding of different countries of the world and about cultural diversity."

Jen Solomon, a grade 12 student at Clarke Road enjoyed International Day and was impressed by the presentations made by the participating countries. "It’s a really good idea. This gave me a chance to look into other cultures and learn about how we interact as countries. It also makes me proud that I am Canadian."