Children learn about continents

By Ashley McClelland/ News editor

Members of Student in Free Enterprise held an international fair at Keister Elementary School on Thursday for students to experience different countries around the world.

SIFE is a global, non-profit organization operating on 1,600 campuses in more than 40 countries.

JMU’s team attends an annual competition in Washington, D.C., said junior Kim
Tashner, copresident of SIFE.

The international fair took about a year to organize.

“We want elementary students to learn about diversity and culture,” Tashner said, “as well as basic facts about countries around the world.”

Students walked through six stations, one for each continent, excepting Antarctica, because it has little economic contribution, Tashner said.
Each station featured several countries from that continent, and had facts about the countries, including pictures.

The students also participated in several activities, such as carving Egyptian hieroglyphic necklaces and word matching games.

“I think it’s really good for [Keister Elementary],” said Francis Cavoto, father of second-grader Rachel. “Because of the diversity, it’s neat to see all of the homes that we come from.”