The International Series will present Cuba on Wednesday, March 20 in the stage area of Building 8.
The English as a Second Language Office promotes The International Series presentations with volunteers that consist of students, International Student Club members and faculty who want to present and talk about their native countries, or countries they have visited, with knowledgeable information to spread opportune awareness.
Over the course of the academic year at Sinclair Community College, seven presentations transpire once every month on a Wednesday. Presenters will promote this information regarding educational mindfulness of the countries, culture, values and geological information through slide shows, food, music and discussion amongst the audience.
Carol Baugh, an instructor of Appalachian Studies and History, will take the reins of presenting Cuba this month. Baugh has always wanted to visit Cuba. However, not until recently was she able to do so because of traveling sanctions.
“Cuba has always been off-limits. I’ve always been really interested in going there,” she said.
She visited Cuba for the first time last summer and plans on going again this year. Baugh’s impression of Cuba and what she came away with is important to how she plans to promote Cuba in the presentation. Baugh assumes her audience will have an adoptive view of Cuba before the presentation and will abandon the stereotype some may have of the country.
Paul Cabonaro, coordinator of the ESL Office, knows how important it is to be aware and knowledgeable of different cultures and the values represented by different countries.
“Willful ignorance is a crime against humanity,” he said.
The objective of these presentations is simple to Cabonaro, “To spread culture and geographical awareness [while being] as entertaining as possible.”
International Students Club President Juan Garcia is a native of Columbia and presented his own country in February. Garcia knows Cabonaro through the ESL Office and shares the same regard about the presentations.
“It’s like a small window to the world just sitting there in the stage area. It’s a good experience — free knowledge,” he said.
The International Series presentation of Cuba will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Access is free and food will be provided. If there are any questions regarding the event, please contact Paul Cabonaro by phone at 512-3099 or email at paul.cabonaro@sinclair.edu.