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THE magnificence of Bahrain’s multi-cultural majesty will be on display once more at one of the most popular school and community events of the calendar year.
Preparations are in full swing for the eighth International Family Fair celebrating global culture at the British School of Bahrain.
This year’s event being staged at the large Hamala campus is being organised by the interim board of the Parent Community Association (PCA) and numerous countries representing the backgrounds of pupils will be represented.
Chairman Ellen van Manen-de Boer said: “I feel that the global culture at the BSB contributes to a strong community feeling. The students of numerous backgrounds work so well together and that makes this school such a truly diverse entity.
“For the parents, this is where the PCA can play a major role too. We are there to include all our parents and help make our school community even stronger.
“The fair opens all our eyes to our amazingly rich range of cultures. We are so lucky and it gives us all a great chance to celebrate diversity and enjoy what so many different countries have to offer.”
Alongside all things British and Bahraini, visitors will also be able to enjoy a taste of the Ellen’s home country, The Netherlands, alongside Nigeria, Malaysia, Ireland, India, China, Greece, Cyprus, Australia, New Zealand, Sudan, Palestine, Jordan, Turkey, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Egypt and others too.
Country stalls will highlight the rich heritage of each country with decorations and traditional fare on show as students gather to put on displays and performances dedicated to their homelands, alongside sporting activities, fun games and gymnastic displays.
A marketplace with local entrepreneurs will also show off the enormous talent for arts and crafts in the kingdom and there will be a display of festive decorations native to many of the countries participating.
After the Friends of the BSB dissolved four years ago there was no official parent body until January when a few enthusiastic mothers and fathers decided to try to revive the idea.
They organised a few meetings amongst themselves and ended up attracting more than 220 people for one gathering alone, allowing an interim board to be elected by all those in attendance.
The PCA now organises all kinds of events to raise funds for school groups such as the sixth-form leavers, social and charity committees, as well as good causes.
All the funds go towards non-curriculum activities and the heads of school are also asked to submit a ‘wish list’ for consideration, such as a plea for a new 3D printer for the senior school and extra books for the school library.
The PCA is led by the parents and although it does not have a seat on the BSB board it happily informs head of school, Julie Anne Gilbert, of its plans.
Currently Ellen is joined by five others on the interim board, with Danielle Payne - vice chairman, Eileen Rosier-Korver – secretary, Randi elHadi - PR officer, Anupam Kinger – treasurer and Hameed Mohri – member.
Since the election in March they have been raising money for the PCA by means of a bake sale, two tabletop sales and have organised a Staff Appreciation Day and a Think Pink breast cancer awareness Bake Sale. A teddy bear raffle will take place in December, an art auction in January, and there are plans in the pipeline for a Spring Fair in March.
At the moment all energy is focused on pulling off a successful International Family Fair on Friday, November 24. Proceeds will go to the PCA with 10 per cent donated to a local charity approved by the school. Entrance will cost BD1 (children aged two and under free) with gates opening at 10am. The fair will close at 3pm and all are invited to enjoy the fun and experience the delights of diversity at Hamala.
