A real highlight to our AISB year thus far was the celebration on October 16th of United Nations Day. All of the kids classes, pre-K through 12th grade, talked about the U.N. - its history and the present challenges - before the celebration. It is a common celebration apparently to International Schools and this year the theme was Poverty Alleviation Through Environmental Sustainability. Lots of excitement as the kids marched up from the early education campus to the school...
At the school, the kids were queueing up to perform the Parade of Nations that begins the ceremony. 
Every child made a flag, or several flags, that represent their home country and their heritage. To mark the beginning of the celebration the kids marched around the seated audience twice carrying their flags. Many kids were dressed in national costume, colors or patriotic wear.
After two laps around the audience the kids found their seats and the Calling of the Nations began. One nation at a time, students were called up to the front to put their flags in flag holders/clay pots. It was truly amazing how many countries are represented among the student body with many having parents from different countries or having lived in a different country for so long that they feel a sense of belonging to that nation. Lots of national pride evident under that tent!
The full program was about an hour and included several skits focused on the amazing Moringa tree (said to grow 4 m. each year with leaves very full of vitamins and nutrients, and native to Mali), an address by a UNICEF rep who is also the father of several students, and a great rendition of We Are The World. After the program, there was a truly delicious potluck which offered great eats and opportunity to get pics of some of Jenna's friends...
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