Step into a world of culture, discovery, and adventure as our students embark on a journey to 12 fascinating countries at this year’s SHSID (HK) Geo Fair 2024. From the pyramids of Egypt to the vibrant traditions of India, the colorful festivals of Nigeria, and the historical treasures of Italy, the event promises an unforgettable exploration of global diversity.

With the theme “Discover the World: Explore, Learn, Connect,” Geo Fair encourages students to embrace the richness of different cultures, uncover captivating facts, and immerse themselves in hands-on activities that bring each country’s unique identity to life.

This cultural bazaar is not just an event but an experience—a celebration of learning, connection, and the wonder of our shared global heritage.

Preparation: Setting the Stage for Global Exploration

In Social Studies classes, students were introduced to various featured countries, exploring their geography, history, traditions, and unique aspects. Students were divided into groups to enhance their learning experience, each representing a specific country, including Egypt, Italy, India, Australia, South Korea, Nigeria, Scotland, Turkey, Chile, Poland, Germany, and Malaysia. These groups conducted thorough research and created engaging displays, posters, and activities for their respective booths.

Parent volunteers played a crucial role by assisting students with their projects and gathering booth decorations, costumes, and traditional food items, bringing each country to life.

To ensure a smooth and enriching experience, students received a guide outlining the event’s setup and activities, helping them understand behaviour expectations, encouraging active participation, and maximising their opportunity to learn about and appreciate diverse cultures.

Geo Fair: The Event Day Experience

The Geo Fair was a vibrant and enriching experience where students explored 12 unique country booths, each brimming with cultural displays and engaging activities. These booths were thoughtfully designed to immerse participants in the traditions and history of various nations. Flags, traditional artifacts, and interactive elements such as games and crafts made each booth a sensory-rich adventure.

Each country's booth showcased a wealth of traditions and delights at the cultural fair, but here are a few highlights from each. At Turkey’s booth, students were mesmerised by the vibrant hot air balloons and the enticing aroma of kebabs, while beautifully crafted posters adorned the space, showcasing the country's rich heritage. At Scotland’s booth, Irn Bru and shortbread delighted the taste buds, while cheerful stickers of Highland cows and a fun photo booth added to the festive atmosphere. At Chile’s booth, students enjoyed fresh cherries and explored maps donated by ProChile China, highlighting the country's stunning landscapes and fascinating Moai replicas that sparked curiosity about its history. The  At Poland’s booth, the allure of a chocolate fountain drew in sweet-toothed visitors, while strawberries and musical stationery provided delightful keepsakes that reflected the country's artistic spirit. The savory scent of sausage and pretzels filled the air at Germany’s booth, complemented by delicious cake and unique keychains featuring iconic cars and football memorabilia. At Malaysia’s booth, students browsed through informative booklets and sipped refreshing juice while colorful souvenirs captured the essence of the country's vibrant culture. At India’s booth, students engaged in jewellery-making and explored an array of toys, all while sampling an impressive variety of delectable food that showcased India's culinary diversity. The Egypt booth showcased a variety of pyramid models and intricate art crafts. The Ancient Egypt display featured impressive projects created by student groups after their visit to the Ancient Egypt Exhibition, while students and parents dressed as pharaohs brought a whimsical and immersive touch to the celebration of history. At Italy’s booth, the delicious offerings of pizza and pasta brought smiles to visitors' faces, while intricate clay sculptures showcased the artistic talents of the students. At Australia’s booth, colorful posters highlighted the country's stunning landscapes and wildlife, paired with delicious food that offered a taste of Down Under. At South Korea’s booth, students savored gimbap and chicken dishes, while unique souvenirs added a touch of Korean culture to their experience. At Nigeria’s booth, the rhythmic beats of drums and the excitement of the Ayo game invited students to engage with the country’s rich traditions alongside fascinating displays of currency.

Students carried their Geo Fair passports, eagerly collecting stamps at each booth while engaging in meaningful interactions. They asked thoughtful questions, delving into the customs, geography, and historical significance of each country. Parent and student “tour guides” enriched the experience by sharing captivating stories and lesser-known facts, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.

The Excitement Continues: Empowering Global Learners through Cultural Discovery

Geo Fair 2024 was a great success, bringing together curiosity, collaboration, and cultural appreciation in a celebration of global diversity and learning. Students embraced their roles as global learners, broadening their perspectives, exploring diverse traditions, and engaging in meaningful teamwork with peers, teachers, and parent volunteers.

This unforgettable experience showcased the power of community, emphasizing the collaboration and dedication of students, teachers, and parents in fostering learning and exploration beyond the classroom. As we celebrate the incredible effort that brought this event to life, we are reminded of the importance of nurturing global learners who are curious, connected, and culturally aware. We look forward to future opportunities to inspire connection, discovery, and growth, as Geo Fair continues to demonstrate that learning knows no borders!

Written by Callum David Browning, Carla Anne Hay, Dan Zhu

Pictures by Elaine Zhu

Video by Rachel Wu

Reviewed by Dan Zhu, Chenli Shen, Cong Luo, Judah Kuhn