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FOOD & CULTURE IN United States International University- Africa

The one thing that brings peoples together is food. When people travel to explore various parts of the world, they ensure to taste different foods from diverse cultures. All cultures have delicacies that they cherish. These foods bring people from all walks of life together thus encourage cultural diversity.

At United States International University (USIU), majority of the students come from various parts of the world so the foods being sold in and around school are aimed to cater for every person.

Over the years the school cafeteria has always been seen as a central place to choose a preferred meal from a wide variety of options.

At USIU the cafeteria retains the same concept only that it also gives an array of traditional options tailor made to suit different students and faculty from diverse cultural backgrounds.

A few examples would be; jollof rice (West Africa cuisine), fish curry (Asian and Swahili cuisine), ugali ( Kenyan cuisine), anjera (Somali, Ethiopian, and Eritrean cuisine), and matoke (Ugandan cuisine).

These are but a few examples of the types of foods you would find at the USIU Cafeteria. The purpose of serving these meals is to encourage cultural unity.

USIU has a different central food station within the school known us “Caffe Latta.” It is mostly filled with the foreign students due to its narrowed food choices that make it safe for anyone and everyone to eat. Caffe Latta provides a safe food environment because it only sells one main meal a day.

The meal is divided into: chicken, beef, or vegetables depending on your precise preference. They sell foods like, Minced Meat with rice, Chicken Curry with rice, or Vegetable curry with rice.

The food culture in USIU has really promoted the cultural diversity of the school by introducing different food cuisines catered to suit all. Truly food is the one ingredient that binds us all together.

Caffe Latta sell foods like, Minced Meat with rice, Chicken Curry with rice, or Vegetable curry with rice. Given that rice is a common staple food across the globe it remains a constant buy at Caffe Latta.

“Each food parlour has a main food cuisine that targets majority of people from that particular culture with hope they will indulge accordingly. This tactic has intensified the cultural balance at USIU because there is everything for everyone,” said Kiki- an IR student at USIU from Malawi.

Written by Aisha Ahmed.

More USIU Girls engaging in sports.

Women in sports.

What a man can do, women believe a woman can do (better? I don’t know.) It is however substantially true, especially in sports. In this era of the millinios – where a phone is like a solid oxygen – the wave of women in sports Is sweeping across the globe. Football, volleyball, basketball, hockey and all the other sports are creating international competitions for world championships in athletics has brought a lot fame and popularity of women.

Kenyan sports women are a good example. Conquering the world in multi sports. Vivian Cheruiyot, a multi time Olympic champion in 10000 and 5000 meters’ races; Violet Baraza in volleyball, won a host of national titles for KCB (now playing for Egyptian side Al Ahli) and women national team. Doreen Nabwire is the most notable footballer from Kenya. Recently, the star of Fatuma Zarika has been shining so bright. Current WBC super bantamweight champion of the world. All these and many other women inspire sports for women in Kenya.

Fatuma Zarika, WBC super bantumweight champion.

USIU (offering education to take you places) have not been left behind. Academically crafting excellence, the university is on the forefront, encouraging young girls to engage in sports. There are school team opportunities for girls in all sports in the school. Amenities and infrastructures necessary to achieve the best have been provided. Inspiring girls to come aboard in sports is an achievement the university can be proud of.

The pride brought by our school teams is something to behold. Aside improving discipline and responsibility, playing a sport in USIU attracts a sports scholarship. That’s an encouragement that has attracted many more girls into engaging into sports of choice.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF NATURAL HAIR WHILE IN CAMPUS

Natural hair is often embraced by Africans and African Americans . There are a variety of natural hair types ranging from numbers one to four in terms of texture. Natural hair is an Afro texture kind of hair that originated from Africa, Oceania and parts of south Asia. Yes, south Asia. It grows as tiny helix from that makes it appear denser than it is.

However 4c is the most popular as it is the most textured hair. It could be hard to categorize due to the different individuals. Some of you have curly hair, others have curly (as the Ugandans call it kaweke). Some have dense while others have sparse hair. All basically based on individuals, culture, origin and maintenance.

Natural hair is beautiful no matter the texture and as African girls we should learn to embrace our hair.it however needs more extra care compared to the straight. If taken care of, it has the most beautiful authentic and fulfilling outcome.

HERE ARE A FEW STEPS TO FOLLOW IN MAINTAINING YOUR NATURAL HAIR AT CAMPUS.

Firstly moisturize Your Hair
Regularly Wash Your Hair, but Not Every Day
Use a Shampoo With a Good Quality When Washing Your Hair
Dry Your Hair Naturally
Avoid using heat a lot for it weakeans your hair
Avoid tight pony tails and glue on weaves.
Try plait productive hairstyles such as box braids, cornrows among others
Finally, trim ends as much as possible. Probably every two months.

You don’t need to go the salon and pay a couple of bucks to achieve a healthy hair because you can do it all by yourself! Natural hair is best done at home and can easily be done.

Written by: Sharon Uwase

MAJOR EVENTS AT United States International University-Africa

At United States International Activity- Africa (USIU), there are two major events that take up most of the extra-curricular activities. These are; Culture Festival, and Mr & Mrs USIU.

Culture Festival is aimed at showcasing the different cultures at USIU. Students get an opportunity to showcase their cultural backgrounds to their fellow students, faculty, and visitors.

During this time, the USIU Compound is filled with different flags in the air from different countries such as; Congo, USA, Nigeria, Kenya, UK, South Korea, Tanzania, Uganda, and many more.

Each tent pitched on the garden is given to a specific country. The purpose is to give students space to; decorate their tents with colors that represent their country, live cooking of their staple foods, traditional artifacts, great cultural music, fun games and pictures.

All these cultural objects symbolize diverse cultural beliefs. Outside the tents, there are competitive games that take place between different cultures like; dancing, tag-of-war, skits, and spoken word.

The country with the most amazing outfit, and dance wins. This promotes cultural unity because different students get an opportunity to appreciate cultures other than their own. All students are encouraged to participate so as to sharpen their communication skills, creativity, and general knowledge.

Also, let’s not forget that all work and no play makes Jack….

Written by: Aisha Ahmed