UOIT toasts mother languages

The International Mother Language Festival brought University of Ontario Institute of Technology students, faculty and staff of all cultures together on campus to celebrate linguistic and culture diversity on March 11. Student-run information booths featuring handicrafts, cultural artifacts and food samplings from all corners of the world were present with tables representing countries including Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Mexico and Nigeria.

“It’s a celebration of the diversity of UOIT, the community, students, staff and faculty alike,” said Philip Shea, Assistant Registrar, International. “Both international and Canadian students from families with a second language are here to recognize the width of the community present at UOIT in its short 10 year existence.”

At the event an art piece created by Anne Powers, a UOIT Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education and Digital Technology student. The artwork will be displayed in the UOIT Registrar’s office to commemorate UOIT’s 10^th anniversary. Attendees also had the opportunity to write Happy Anniversary UOIT in their mother language on a banner, which will be exhibited at future 10^th-anniversary activities.

• Mother Languages Day video link

“We’re here to learn about other cultures and share our own with everyone in attendance, and most importantly have fun,” said Livia Faustino, first-year exchange student from Brazil, studying Mechanical Engineering.

Other students walked away with delicious treats in one hand, and door prizes in the other.