Grade 7 Students Explore West African Culture Through Guest Speaker

While learning about how ancient civilizations shaped much of West Africa’s rich history, grade 7 students had an opportunity to relate these lessons to the modern world by a visit from guest speaker Reginald Lavender, a St. Margaret’s parent and native of  Nigeria. 

Mr. Lavender shared his personal experiences growing up in Nigeria, offering students a unique perspective on how the past still influences contemporary life. Through his stories, they learned about Nigeria’s cultural vibrancy, from its bustling cities to its festivals and music, bringing history to life beyond the textbooks.

Katie Harris, grade 7 world history teacher, expresses the value of learning about West African culture through real world experiences, She remarks, “I hope that students will see that West African has a rich and culturally diverse history. While there are similarities, this is a vast area with many cultural and linguistic traditions.” 

In addition to his stories, Mr. Lavender introduced the class to Nigerian cuisine, treating students to samples of the culture’s food. The experience deepened their understanding of West Africa’s culinary traditions but also encouraged an interest in exploring other African regions. 

“It is crucial for the students to see that these regions have a thriving community that is rooted in history but is existing in the modern world,” said Mrs. Harris.