Ashton Valster [left], Zarn Beaver, Kelly Pawson, Nikora Tyacke and Ashton Pearson deliver the album they produced after interviewing teacher Nisha Marceles. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
GIANINA SCHWANECKE
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International travel has come to a standstill, but a group of Wairarapa College students have discovered there are other ways to learn about the world.
The group of Year 9 students were tasked with interviewing immigrants to Wairarapa about their experiences as part of a Social Studies project, the Migrant Album unit.
Students interviewed people from all over the world including immigrants from England, Sri Lanka, Iran, Fiji, Turkey, and the United States.
Rose Durry and Piper Matthews learned more about Honduras when they interviewed Marvin Guerrero, owner of the popular Don Luciano Cafe in Masterton.
Durry said speaking to him was interesting because his life had been so different, and she learnt a lot about life in another country and culture.
“I learned everyone has their own story, with some starting in different places.”
She said Guerrero explained that he brought his love of coffee, one of Honduras’ main exports, to New Zealand.
Waicol teacher Nisha Marceles was also interviewed because she had moved to Masterton with her family from Dubai just before New Zealand went into lockdown.
For Ashton Valster, the interview taught him how different things were in other countries and that things in New Zealand could seem very different for those who immigrated.
“The food, dress, climate, and culture are so different,” he said.
“I found it really interesting that in Dubai, even at midnight, it is so hot it is hard to do exercise.”
As part of the unit, each student produced an album based on their interviews and research which was gifted to the interviewee.
