JEFFERSONVILLE, NY —After a recent unit study on Africa, the third graders in Lisa Smith’s class in Sullivan West Elementary School were treated to a traditional African meal to celebrate the American holiday called Kwanzaa, which means the first fruits of harvest and honors African heritage. Their teachers, Smith, Nancy Neumann and Darleen Weyandt, treated the class to African stew over rice, corn muffins, apple bread pudding and mint tea.

During the celebration the children wore handmade African masks. Red, black and green mkeka mats, which the students made with their art teacher, Diane Coffey, decorated the tables.

The class and its teachers gave Kwanzaa gifts, called zawadi, to the Heifer International Program. They were able to sponsor six flocks of chicks that will help provide families in need a lifelong opportunity.