Photo Credit: Friends International.
Friends International, a registered charity with a mission to help international students, is hosting a dumpling-making event tomorrow to celebrate the Chinese Lantern Festival.
The charity has supported over 11,900 students across the UK and Ireland, with 1,290 active volunteers. In Sheffield, there are over thousands of students from diverse backgrounds coming to study every year. The charity hopes to make Sheffield their home away from home.
Carol Forbes, 31, who works for Friends International and organised this event, said: “We understand the challenges that come with moving to a new country for education, and through this dumpling-making event, we hope students can feel at home and not feel alone during the festival.”
They are expecting more than 40 people to join the event. She believes it will be a unique culture exchange experience and a good way to celebrate the Chinese Lantern Festival. The celebration takes place on the 15th day of the first lunar month and marks the grand finale of the Chinese New Year festival.
Past events have seen more than 50 students participate in a walk in the Peak District; with its regular event, International Café, on Monday evenings, having more than 20 attendees.
Faye Yang, a former participant and now a student volunteer with Friends International, said: “It’s more than a dumpling-making event, I have been through the journey myself. I feel grateful that I can now get to know people from all over the world and introduce them to Sheffield.”
Friends International encourages all international students in the area to join the event, promising not only a fun and educational afternoon but also the chance to make new friends and connections. With no cost for attendance, the event is accessible to students, ensuring no one misses out on this cultural exchange opportunity.
The event is scheduled to take place at a local volunteer’s house on Chelsea Road from 2pm to 5pm.
If you are an international student looking for support, or volunteers, the charity can be reached on its website.