Italian Virtual Day Event: A Cultural Experience for the Youth
Youth and families across Michigan enjoyed a day of learning Italian culture, making pizza dough, and more during the Italian Virtual Day event.
Immerse Yourself in Italian Culture
Imagine being surrounded by the beautiful sounds of Italian music, the tantalizing aroma of pizza baking in the oven, and the warmth of new friendships forming. This was the magical experience that over 100 youth and families across Michigan had the opportunity to enjoy during the Italian Virtual Day event in spring 2021. Hosted by the Michigan State University Extension, this event brought together participants to learn, have fun, and immerse themselves in Italian culture.
The event kicked off with an engaging icebreaker activity where participants had to guess which statement about Italy was false. Did you know that the national dish of Italy is not pizza, but Ragu? This fun fact set the tone for a day filled with surprises and cultural discoveries.
The Art of Pizza Making
One of the highlights of the event was learning how to make authentic Italian pizza dough. Led by Carmen De Lorenzo, coordinator of the MSU Italian Program, participants got hands-on experience in creating this traditional dish. With simple ingredients like flour, salt, yeast, olive oil, and water, everyone had a chance to knead their own dough and unleash their inner pizzaiolo.
- 1 cup of flour (¾ cup for kneading)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon dry brewer’s yeast
- 3 teaspoons of olive oil
- 2/3 cup water at room temperature
As the dough came together, laughter filled the virtual room as participants shared their sticky dough mishaps and triumphs. From learning how to knead properly to understanding the importance of patience in the dough-making process, everyone embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.
Gestures, Movements, and More
Italians are known for using gestures to communicate, and participants had the chance to learn some common gestures during the event. Led by De Lorenzo and her students, a movement segment set to Italian music added a touch of authenticity to the cultural experience. From learning how to say "good" to "to eat" and "to sleep" through gestures, everyone got a taste of Italian expression.
Following the movement segment, participants were treated to an Italian story and a crafting session where they created their own Italian Laurel Crown. The event showcased the richness of Italian culture through language, food, music, and art, leaving everyone with memories to cherish.
A Collaborative Effort
The success of the Italian Virtual Day event would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of organizations such as the Michigan State University Community Language School, Dante Alighieri Society, Consulate of Italy – Detroit, IL Circolo Italiano – Wayne State University, and Michigan State University Italian Club. Together, they created an unforgettable experience for youth and families across Michigan.
4-H Global and Cultural Education programs play a vital role in fostering positive relationships and promoting cultural awareness among youth. If you're interested in learning more about these programs or getting involved, visit the Michigan 4-H website or contact D’Ann Rohrer at [email protected].
Discover More Opportunities
If you're looking for more global educational opportunities or want to explore other 4-H programs in your area, visit the MSU Extension Global and Cultural Education website. Whether you're passionate about leadership, citizenship, service, or simply want to connect with like-minded individuals, there's something for everyone.
Expand your horizons, embrace new experiences, and celebrate diversity through programs that leave a lasting impact on individuals and communities. Join us in exploring the world of cultural education and global awareness with Michigan 4-H.
Remember, the world is your oyster, so why not savor every moment of discovery and growth along the way? Dive into new experiences, make new friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The journey awaits!
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