"The purpose is to represent the diverse cultures we have here at Penn State," she said.
Naveen Krishnamurthy (graduate-environmental engineering) is vice president of ISC. There are about 4,000 international students at Penn State, he said. "Hopefully this will enhance cooperation between (American) students here and international students," Krishnamurthy said..
More than 15 student organizations participated in the festivities, including the Latin American Student Association and the Japanese Friendship Association.
Sachie Takahashi (sophomore-film and video), a member of JFA, dressed in a kimono and sold Japanese yo-yos made out of small, colorful balloons. The yo-yos were a hit with children who stopped by the station.
"I think it's good to represent and understand other cultures," Takahashi said.
Other displays included African baskets, Iranian musical instruments, Chinese silk scarves and educational posters about Islam, Christianity and Judaism.
Jose Molineros (graduate-computer science), president of LASA, sold samplings of foods from countries including Argentina, Peru, and Spain.
Molineros hoped to break down some of the stereotypes held about Latin America.
"When we talk about Latin America, we usually think tacos," he said.
The money LASA makes will be donated to El Salvador for aid after its recent earthquake. At the children's festival in the White Building, participants were given a free cup of popcorn -- if they used chopsticks to fill it themselves -- and were invited to make a rakhee from India, a bracelet with a colorful flower design in the middle. The bracelet is given by sisters to their brothers to symbolize the affection between siblings.
Janet Bosco of Bellefonte brought her daughter Kristi, 7, to the festival. She also visited the festival last year.
"I'm pleased they offer something like this for this generation," Bosco said.
She also said she is grateful she and her daughter have the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of cultures.
Kristi had her name written in Japanese, painted a Chinese character representing good fortune and made origami out of newspaper.Various children's groups sang songs in their native languages, performed traditional dances and showcased a dancing dragon used in Chinese New Year festivities.
Nan Uhl is director of the Community International Hospitality Council, a volunteer organization with an office in Boucke Building. It is important for children to have knowledge of other cultures, Uhl said. As well as helping to organize yesterday's children's festival, she has invited international speakers to visit area schools.
"Our kids aren't just learning out of textbooks," she said, "but they have an opportunity to interact with real people."
Uhl has had help from student volunteers, including members of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity.
"It's been wonderful. We couldn't do it without them," she said.
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