For most military families, traveling and experiencing different cultures is part of everyday life. Whether it’s experiencing a Christkindlmarkt in Germany or learning to make kimchi in Korea, military families adopt traditions from around the world. One of the best ways to experience other cultures is through their foods.
As the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Algrish C. Williams said he feels cooking is a great way to show off his culture and get students interested in a culture different than their own.
He cooked for a class at Pierce Terrace Elementary School May 27.
“Talking to the students about my culture and introducing them to cooking and eating a Caribbean dish, in particular Jamaican curry chicken, was a way to truly spark their interest in a different culture through food,” Williams said.
One thing Williams wanted the students to understand was that although he’s an American Soldier, his Jamaican heritage is always a part of him.
Shanee’ Galloway, a Pierce Terrace third grade teacher, shared the importance of learning new skills and experiencing different cultures.
“When exploring cultural diversity, we immerse ourselves into the music, foods, dances, games and even the language of the targeted culture,” Galloway said.
Galloway also discussed how the students take what they learn in class and then are able to put those skills to work.
“We were learning about different family traditions and cultures,” Galloway said. “The students explored the different holidays, foods and activities for several different cultures and compared those findings to their own family traditions.”
Williams echoed Galloway on the importance of being introduced to different cultures and learning new skills.
“I truly think that it is vitally important for our children to be introduced to other cultures to allow them to embrace people and be united as one people of many backgrounds,” Williams said.
Williams also said he is looking forward to being invited back to Pierce Terrace in the future to show off more of his culinary skills.
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