As one of the most diverse international schools in China with more than 50 nationalities on its campuses, the YCIS Shanghai community is incredibly diverse. Each year, the school celebrates this multiculturalism and cultural heritage at the YCIS Shanghai International Food and Culture Fair (IFCF), which provides an opportunity for students, families, friends, and the greater Shanghai community to learn about different cultures and cuisines from around the world. This year was the ten-year anniversary of the fair, and it was held for the very first time at the school’s Gubei Campus in Puxi.

Each year, the day kicks off with a Global Pride Parade. Members of the YCIS community proudly paraded around the school’s courtyard waving flags from their home country/region as other attendees in the community cheered along in support.

This year’s event featured parent-led stalls selling homemade food from 15 countries and regions, with themes including Travel America, Incredible India, Japanese Summer Festival, Pure New Zealand, Chinese Delight, All that Korean, Passionate Samba, Tasty Hong Kong, More Fun in the Philippines and Big Bang from Malaysia and Singapore. A lucky draw had a grand prize of family cruise holiday from Shanghai to Japan.

Carol Mao, Parent Relations Officer for Puxi Campuses and a key organizer of the event, was tremendously happy with how the day turned out, noting, “We celebrated our amazing community with the fair. Between the wonderful food stalls, the games, culture demonstrations, and fantastic performances, this year’s IFCF was a day of great atmosphere truly enjoyed by everyone!”

The event was made even more meaningful as money raised on the day will go to the YCIS charity, Seeds of Hope, which helps to fund schools in rural China, and to other charities including the WILL Foundation and Second Chance Animal Aid.

Events like the IFCF are among some of the most anticipated activities of the school year at YCIS and are made possible by the incredible support of the talented and hardworking Parent Organisation at the school. To learn more about parental involvement at the school, please click here.