By Felician Masumbuko

The International Student Organization at Buffalo State College is busy preparing the April international fiesta.

On April 19, the ISO will present a fiesta in Rockwell Hall from 6 to 11 p.m.

“The fiesta is a program that the international students organization puts together to teach others who do not know about hidden cultures around the globe,” said Fervilus Wilkenson the acting president of ISO.

Not only is the fiesta a cultural sharing event, but it is also an opportunity for some students to actually experience for themselves diversity on campus.

“We live in this community and we want the community to know something about diversity and other cultures,” said Simeon Konan, a Buffalo State graduate student.

According to Wilkenson, people are always interested in the fiesta because it brings the taste of global cultures on campus.

“Food, performances, sketches all are always fun and enjoyable. It is a place to learn and relax,” Wilkenson said.

Jean Bosco Ndayishimiye, a computer information science student said: “Fiesta is beneficial to some student like those in sociology or psychology. It is an opportunity for them to see and learn what other cultures have.”

After the show in the Rockwell Hall, people are invited to the
Student Union to enjoy the tastes of different dishes:

• African food
• Asian food
• Caribbean food
• European food

“And people get there to socialize and see what the international students bring to the community,” said Ndayishimiye.

“It is very important for us because when we came to the United States of America we wanted to promote cultural values on our campus to our fellow Americans,” added Konan

The United Students Government is the main sponsor for the event.

According to Ndayishimiye, the fiesta brings together the campus community and promotes a common understanding of diversity and cultural values.

“Fiesta is a manifestation of our cultures in the campus community through music, dance, food, performance and much more,” Konan said.

Fiesta was introduced on campus a long time ago after international students realized that there was a need to show their cultural affiliation trough music, food, shows and songs.

The cost to attend will be $2 for students and $3 for non-students.