We are excited to share that our Neighbourhood Small Grant (NSG) project, Cultural Exchange Fair and Circular Economy Celebration, was successfully conducted as planned. The project aimed to bring families together to celebrate cultural diversity while learning about sustainability through the concept of a circular economy.
Our events were held on November 24 and December 8, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Each session featured interactive cultural exchange activities, including storytelling, cultural crafts, and educational games focused on sustainability practices. On November 24, 8 kids and their parents attended, filling all available spots. By December 8, interest had grown, with 12 kids and their parents participating, along with 4 families on the waiting list. In total, we engaged 57 participants across both sessions.
Planning and Execution
We carefully planned the sessions to balance cultural exploration and sustainability education. Cultural ambassadors from various backgrounds volunteered their time, sharing stories, traditional crafts, and cultural trivia. We also set up a “Circular Economy Corner,” where participants learned about recycling, upcycling, and waste reduction through hands-on activities.
Challenges and Solutions
One challenge we faced was the overwhelming response, which exceeded our original participant capacity. To accommodate more families, we reorganized activity stations into rotating groups, ensuring every participant had a meaningful experience. Our dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to manage logistics and ensure smooth operations.
What We Learned
This project reaffirmed the community’s eagerness for meaningful cultural and environmental learning experiences. We learned that interactive, hands-on activities effectively engage both kids and parents, fostering learning and connection. We also discovered the importance of flexible planning to adapt to higher-than-expected attendance.
Gratitude and Next Steps
We are incredibly grateful for the support we received from the NSG team and our community volunteers. This experience has strengthened our commitment to creating programs that celebrate cultural diversity and promote sustainable practices. We look forward to organizing similar events in the future!
