By James Kavelish
The world is home to millions and millions of people with many different nationalities and cultures. Of course, history has proven that differences can create conflicts. Some communities feel discriminated against based on their location on the globe and the actions of their people and governments. The middle east or middle eastern descendants have face backlash mainly because of their religious beliefs. People in the world has seen the negatives of the culture and are not willing to see the positives and the great history of the country. Guyer High School students Zain Ali and Sarah Asadollahi, wanted to change the negative perspective of middle eastern cultures by forming a club at Guyer that can be a safe place for students with middle eastern descent. Both Co-Presidents of SWANA (South Asia And North African) believe the club will allow people to learn about the culture and be better informed than what is presented on the news.
Sarah and Zain both have middle eastern roots and they believed it to be the inspiration for establishing a club for students who share this background . Of course people have their opinion on different cultures, Zain explained that some students at Guyer were making negative comments about the club, saying that being Palestinian and Muslim is controversial. She did not let the negative comments stop her from establishing SWANA.
SWANA is a club at Guyer, co-founded by Zain Ali and Sarah Asadollahi to promote diversity and changed the perception of middle eastern cultures. The club is open to other cultures that may want to share their differences, history, beliefs and values. SWANA’s mission is to always be a welcoming place that allows students to open their minds to the beauty of their countries and extend their vision to the whole world.
Recently, the club hosted an event at the commons for students to taste food from countries in the middle east and to learn about their jewelry, art and crafts, cultures, music, dances, and traditions. SWANA invited the AOA (Asians of America) Guyer club to collaborate in the event. “This was a very awesome opportunity for both clubs to learn more about each other and continue the idea of diversity.” Zain said. The intention of creating a cultural exchange led the club to put together the event. Zain is currently a senior and will graduate this year. She wants to continue to support SWANA during her time in college, while Sarah continues to run the club.
“I think SWANA is all about community.” Zain explained. It is not only for middle eastern cultures, anyone can join as long as they show up to the meetings. The gatherings aren’t always serious, they have fun activities like snack wars, rank the snack, presentations over interesting topics, ice breaking activities to increase a bond between members. Zain would like to take SWANA to college with her “I will find a way to incorporate SWANA in college,” she said. Zain is planning on becoming a dermatologist. She has noticed the medical world doesn’t teach about race and ethnicity. Medical practices are different based on the region and she would like to have more education about ethnicity in her profession.
SWANA has established officer elections each year to promote new leadership at the start of each school year. Zain loves to see people talk to one another and to interact more. SWANA at Guyer has established the idea of acceptance and the promotion of diversity. The club is nothing more than a safe place for people to share, have fun, and enjoy being together while making new friends.
