Christine Meeks, Community Counselor in Stamford, CT shared her cluster’s involvement on Diversity Day.
Rippowam Middle School hosted 6 au pairs from Au Pair in America as part of their Diversity Day on May 29th in an effort to expose middle school children to other cultures and raise global awareness.
Liza Boiko from Russia, Silvia Menghini from Italy, Anna Leffringhausen, Celine Galle and Johanna Huebner from Germany, and Jasmin Riegler from Austria all volunteered to represent their countries, present information and answer questions about their customs to hundreds of middle schoolers. They also discussed why they wanted to come to the U.S. as an au pair.
“It was a great opportunity to speak with American children about my culture and my life in Russia as well as my observations and thoughts on life in America,” said Lisa Boiko. “The students were very interested and asked thought provoking questions.”
Diversity Day at Rippowam Middle School is a celebration of all of the various cultures and nationalities that encompass the student body. Games, food and entertainment from many countries were represented.
“Part of our mission is to raise global awareness throughout the U.S., said Christine Meek, Stamford Community Counselor. “Volunteering to present at Rippowam Middle School’s Diversity Day was a perfect fit for our program.”
The word “Au Pair” is a French term, which means “on par” or “equal to” denoting living on an equal basis in a reciprocal, caring relationship between the host family and the children. Au pairs come to the U.S. to improve their English and immerse themselves in American culture.