Students are celebrating with traditional songs, dances and food as teachers focus on belonging, diversity and cultural pride.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Students at Bibb County’s Porter Elementary filled the halls Tuesday with color and culture to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
The school is using songs, dances and food to represent the culture and recognize the contributions and history of the Hispanic and Latino community.
Intake clerk Alex Perez says giving the students a sense of pride was heartwarming to see.
“This idea was brought up about a year ago because in my home country we have this tradition where we have folk dance performances,” Perez said. “So, when we were planning the school’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, I came up with the idea of bringing that here for the students to experience one of Latin Americas biggest celebrations.”
Principal Regina English says it’s important for students to understand diversity because the school has a diverse population.
“These types of events not only strengthen our students’ understanding of cultural diversity, but it also strengthens relationships with the school and school community,” she said.
Perez and English both say celebrating the culture is important for the younger generation.
“A sense of belonging,” Perez said. “Our school has a high population of Hispanics, and so we like to include most of our students and make them feel included and belonged.”
“It helps build self-awareness,” English said. “It helps them feel a part of the community. And to let them know I am different, but I am also important, and I have something to contribute.”
English says they’ll continue celebrating the month with events including food tastings and history lessons.