International Week 2001 Focuses on Children

Contact: David Tilahun, (740) 593-4330 or tilahun@ohio.edu

ATHENS, Ohio (May 9, 2001) -- After adopting the theme "Children Unite the World," it is no surprise that most of Ohio University's 2001 International Week activities have children as the motivating force. Sponsored by International Student and Faculty Services, the celebration runs May 14 through 19 and has more than 30 organizations participating.

"The goal of this year's International Week is to make the community aware of how important children are in our lives," said Associate Director of International Student and Faculty Services David Tilahun. "We also want to make people aware of the many cultures of the world and encourage everyone to explore them."

The week begins with an international quiz show featuring area high school students in Studio A on the fifth floor of the RTV building. Sponsored by the Department of Geography, the show will be taped at 3 p.m. May 14 and shown on Channel 25 in Athens, at 6 p.m. May 15 and again at 7 p.m. May 16. The taping is free and open to the public.

A May 15 panel discussion will examine the work of UNICEF, Rotary Exchange and the Peace Corps as it relates to children. The event will take place at 7 p.m., May 15 in the Friends of the Library Room on the third floor of Alden Library.

Local children will create a wall painting May 15 through 18 at the Kennedy Museum of Art. The finished wall painting will be displayed at the museum on May 18. The project coincides with an exhibit of Turkish artist Burhan Dogancay's "Wall Paintings from the Museum Collection" May 15 through Aug. 26 at the Kennedy Museum. A slide presentation by the artist, titled "Walls of the World by Children," is planned at 4 p.m. May 18.

International Week also will feature a workshop at which international students will share their culture and language at 5:10 p.m. May 16 in Gordy Hall 309 and 311.

The week concludes with the 20th Annual International Street Fair on Court Street from noon to 6 p.m. May 19. The fair provides a relaxed atmosphere for the campus and local communities to enjoy the music, food and art of many cultures. Aside from a variety of ethnic food items available, the fair features a flag parade, dancing, live music and comments from Ohio University President Robert Glidden and Athens Mayor Ric Abel.

For more information, contact David Tilahun at (740) 593-4330 or tilahun@ohio.edu, or access the International Week Web site at: www.ohiou.edu/intlweek/.

International Week Activities

Monday, May 14

International Quiz Show*
RTV Studio A, 5th floor, 3 p.m. (Come watch the taping live in the studio)

Contestants are students from local schools. Sponsored by the Department of Geography and the Telecommunications Center

*The International Quiz Show will be televised at 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 15, WOUB II Channel 25 Time Warner and 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 16, WOUB II Channel 25 Time Warner

Tuesday, May 15 - Friday, May 18

Children Collaborative Painting Workshop
Kennedy Museum of Art, Lin Hall, The Ridges, 3-5 p.m., except Thursday, 3-8 p.m.

Open Studio at the Kennedy Museum of Art for children of all ages to create a collaborative wall painting on the theme "Children Unite the World." The collaborative wall will be displayed in the museum beginning Friday, May 18

Tuesday, May 15

Panel Discussion -- Children Unite the World: Local-International Connections
Friends of the Library Room, 319 Alden Library, 7-9 p.m.

Panelists will discuss the activities of UNICEF, WAGGS, Rotary Exchange, and Peace Corps. Panelists: Pediatrician Sushlia Gawande, MD; members of the Athens UNICEF Committee; Coolville Elementary Teacher Robert Maher; and former V.P., Black Diamond Girl Scout Council, Lois Whealey

Phi Beta Delta, The International Honorary Society (Iota Chapter) Induction Ceremony
1804 Lounge, Baker University Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 16

International Cultural Workshop
Gordy Hall, Rooms 309 and 311, 5:10-6:50 p.m.

International youth will teach workshop participants about their culture and language. Topics include mini-language and culture lessons. Sponsored by the Department of Linguistics

Friday, May 18

"Walls of the Children," Slide Presentation by Burhan Dogancay
Kennedy Museum of Art, 4 p.m.

Presentation starts at 4 p.m. with a reception following. Sponsored by the Kennedy Museum of Art

Saturday, May 19

International Street Fair
Court Street, noon-6 p.m.

Dance to a world beat, taste authentic international cuisine, and choose from a selection of arts and crafts from around the world. Highlights include a 12:50 p.m. flag parade by local school children, and 1 p.m. welcome remarks by Ohio University President Robert Glidden and Athens Mayor Ric Abel

Sponsored by: The International Student Union with support from the International Week Planning Board, the Office of International Student and Faculty Services, Appalachian Tire Products, Beads and Things, College Bookstore, Factory Street Studio, Hocking Valley Bank, Nationwide Insurance, Larry Schey Chevrolet, Athens Area Merchants, and the City of Athens.