This past Friday, the Windsor Grand Room on the Mount Allison campus was filled with people enjoying international cuisine and supporting the cause of supporting refugee students. The event was hosted by the Student Refugee Program at Mount Allison, who invited the international community at Mount Allison to prepare a dish from their country or culture, and share it with attendees. About a dozen students, from the United Kingdom, India, Japan, Germany and other countries, brought dishes to share.
Zuhal Haidari, co-president of the Student Refugee Program, explained that the purpose of the event was to help create awareness of the program, but also give students a way to “showcase their cultures and traditions, and kind of share that with everyone.”
Jigmet Angmo made pav bhaji, a popular Indian street food, to share. “I feel really happy that I can share it with others and talk about it,” said Angmo. Meanwhile Rajan Minocha-McKenney explained that he was grateful to have the opportunity to share a dish that his grandmother has always cooked for his family.
Bridget Powning coordinated the event, and said the funds raised would go towards sponsoring refugee students, helping them continue with their studies and adapt to their life in Canada. “We sponsor a refugee student every two years,” says Powning. “And this past year we’ve had two in two years, so it’s been very exciting.”
Powning said the Student Refugee Program is hoping to raise awareness to ensure their work continues into the future, with new members in the coming years.
Here more about this event on CHMA’s Trantamar Report:
