by JE GONZALBO
The United Arab Emirates, as a country, is well-known for its cultural diversity and values of tolerance. Consequently, as a Filipino school in the UAE, the Far Eastern Private School (FEPS) adheres to the same principles of promoting peace and equality, not just among students and the individuals that they become outside of the school – but as well as among the campus administration staff and faculty, through the different programs and events that focus on appreciating various cultures, religions, and languages.
One of the events to emphasize these ideas is the United Nations’ Day, a celebration held every 24th of October, which commemorates that special moment in history wherein several countries came together to advocate virtues of unity and peace, the importance of equality, and the essence of human rights.
Before the event, the school had announced that this school year’s theme was about “The Road to a Lasting Peace; Leveraging the Power of Youth for Peace and Security.”
Just like its theme, many FEPSians participated in the program (which took place in both face-to-face and distance learning) and joined the different contests that highlighted their skills – which, in a way, suggests how the youth are able to use their talents to encourage their fellow peers and students in taking part in aiming for a harmonious and protected community in which all of us live in.
The program first began with the greetings and invocation, led by the masters of the ceremony, Grette Manbiotan and Jessa Palomaria. After their introduction then came the parade, giving the spotlight to the representatives for each class, who all wore their designated country’s national costume with fancy accessories from head to toe. From what the students showcased, it was clearly seen how even youngsters like us can, without a doubt, diversely express cultures of different communities and countries through clothes all embroidered with traditional patterns and woven from patriotic love and pride.
In continuation, the floor was given to Miss Mary Jane P. Onato, FEPS Al Shahba’s school OIC Principal, for the opening remarks. The audiences were then introduced to the judges who were to decide the winners of who wore the most stunning national costume, based on the criteria mentioned by the emcees. Even the class representatives from online learning were considered candidates, as well, portraying their own innovative way of wearing the national costumes as if they were artworks of their own.
Lastly were the special presentations performed by the intermediate and high school grade level representatives in face-to-face learning, just right after the announcements and awarding for the Color Me Contest and Best in Male and Female National Costume Competition. The few students and teachers who attended the program all simply watched in awe as these young ladies and gents conquered the stage, wonderfully singing and dancing their hearts out in their national outfits.
Aside from that, such contests that the Supreme Student Government (SSG) included for the event – especially for the distance learning students – were the Unity Scrapbook Art, Poster Making, Poem Writing, Cook Fest, and Peace Mask Making Contest. Several students from online learning all sent in their entries, winning the hearts of the judges for the said competitions through creative approaches to this year’s theme with colorful artworks, delicious and appetizing cuisine, and heartwarming and poetic pieces. The awarding occurred at the same day of the event as well.
The programme soon had ended with the Social Studies Moderator, Miss Catherine Sabino’s speech for the closing remarks. The hosts or emcees for the United Nations’ Day celebration sent out their heartfelt gratitude to the staff, administrators, and their fellow FEPSians who participated and dedicated their time and effort in making the event possible for all of the students.
Truly, it was a celebration worth remembering, knowing how these presentations were products of the students who showcased their own skills and talents to promote peace and unity, and recognizing that the youth is, indeed, the driving force in making change for both the present and future generations.
