Connection & Diversity

Jacinta Vengtasamy

Connection & Diversity Group CCP

The Connection & Diversity Group meets every  Wednesday during lunchtime in H2. Anyone is welcome to join the group, and we look forward to your company!

This group is interested in learning about different cultural identities that make up the diverse community here at BSC.  Individuals offer their personal experience, are able to ask questions, debunk myths and champion inclusivity - while enjoying some delicious food together! Members regularly give cooking demonstrations where they can share their favourite recipe and show off their culinary skills. Between bites, everyone can ask questions about the food and culture, and exchange ideas in a relaxed and open atmosphere. It is a great mix of good food, engaging conversation, and practical tips - so meetings are both enjoyable and productive.

During the session that ran just before the end of Term 2, the group enjoyed a  pizza-making session. A student made the dough at home in the morning (thanks Ella!), and then she brought the dough to school. 

I interviewed Bella, one of our regular participants, about this session.

J:  You were one of the students that was tasked with rolling out the dough and starting that first process. What was that like for you? 

B: It was fun because I like to cook and I love my culture.

J:  Does Italian culture involve much food and cooking? 

B: Yes. We love our food!

J:  So making the pizzas, is that the first time that you've done that? 

B: No. When I was younger, I used to help my auntie and uncle make pizzas, and I still do sometimes. We even got an actual pizza oven not long ago, very Italian style. 

J:  Wow! I bet you make the most delicious pizzas. So you said that you love Italian culture, and we know that food is a big part of Italian culture. What about sharing food? 

B: Yeah. We're all about sharing the love around, especially when it comes to food. We love to share with friends but mainly family. That's what most of our culture is all about, those are our core elements in our culture.

J:  And what about family? Is that also important? 

B: Absolutely. And especially sharing food with family. It’s all about the love.

J:  And do you have a memory where food, family, and love all happened at the same time? 

B: Yes! Every Sunday for lunch, my family and I have pasta and we sit together sharing food, talking about our week and just being together. 

J:  And what's your favourite type of pasta? 

B: Pappardelle, fettuccine, I love them all. (Bella puts here fingers to her lips and blows  a 'chef's kiss')

J:  What do you think about the Connection & Diversity Group? 

B: I think it's very important for the school because everyone gets a chance to try food from different cultures. We like to share about our different culture. While I was cooking and demonstrating for everyone to see, I was sharing about my culture and my family. It was a lot of fun to tell everyone about it. It's very inclusive. That's what I like about the group.

J:  How do you think this group is helping people to learn the truth about people's cultures instead of making stereotypes about them?

B: I think it's important because you get to properly learn the truth about people’s cultures and their experiences from the people who are living in it, not from social media, not from politicians. It helps to break down stereotypes.

J:  What's one final thing you want the people who are reading this article to know about Italian culture?  

B: That we are very, very loving, passionate and caring people. We love food and that is often how we express our love for each other. 

J:  Thank you so much for your insights, Bella. We look forward to seeing you at the next Connection and Diversity Group. 

If you or someone you know would like to join our group, please email Jacinta (our Mental Health Practitioner) jven@brunswick.vic.edu.au.