VIA Times – May 2021 Issue Vital News, Vibrant VIews for Asian Americans in Chicago & Midwest
By: Boom Boom Cabalona ‘X’ Divinagracia
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of their culminating activity in the Embassy Adoption Program (EAP), the all-girls 6th grade class of Excel Academy led by Ms. Keisha Hopkins virtually presented their capstone project to the Philippine Embassy on 6 May 2021.
The presentation included the girls’ individual artworks and fun facts about the Philippines, cooking demonstrations of Filipino food and delicacies, and dance performances to original Filipino music.
“As a 6th grade class, we would like to thank you for coming to our virtual class and teaching us so much about Filipino life. Even though EAP was very different this year than in years past, we would like to show you our appreciation through a video slideshow of us drawing pictures, cooking, and dancing,” the class said in a thank you note.
“The girls really enjoyed learning more about Philippine culture. Thank you for coming in to our class virtually and teaching us, ” Ms. Hopkins added.
Prior to the capstone, the Philippine Embassy facilitated 3 virtual sessions with the class focusing on Philippine history, culture, language and food; Christmas celebrations in the Philippines; and Philippine mythology and folklore. The girls likewise had the chance to make their own parols (Christmas lanterns) and participate in interactive Q&A games which made the EAP school year more interesting and fun.
“We are happy to have had our engagement with DC Public Schools through the Embassy Adoption Program this school year, albeit in a virtual setting. It is always a welcome opportunity to foster understanding and promote appreciation of our unique and vibrant culture to our young stakeholders,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said in a statement.
The Embassy Adoption Program is a partnership program of the DC Public Schools (DCPS) and Washington Performing Arts that exposes DCPS students to international perspectives and cross-cultural lessons through direct interactions with Embassies and other global entities.
