On Sunday, December 1, 2024, GLOBOLA (Global Volunteers), a student organization from Okayama University of Science (OUS), participated in the 26th Human Rights Festival in Okayama City by hosting a world food stall. Dedicated to promoting intercultural exchange, GLOBOLA aimed to provide local residents with an opportunity to experience a slice of Sri Lankan culture through its cuisine.
 
Among a variety of professional restaurant booths at the festival, GLOBOLA’s stall stood out for its homemade touch and warm, welcoming atmosphere. The menu featured traditional Sri Lankan dishes: Chicken Curry and Roti, thoughtfully prepared by a team of eight members, including three Sri Lankan international students. Together, they served a total of 126 meals. The dishes, crafted using local ingredients combined with authentic Sri Lankan spices, received enthusiastic feedback from visitors, with comments such as, “The flavor of the spices is remarkable.”
 
GLOBOLA’s participation aimed to provide attendees with a chance to engage with a different culture while promoting the importance of multicultural coexistence. The booth featured informational panels introducing GLOBOLA’s activities and a display explaining common Sri Lankan greetings, creating a welcoming space for conversation and connection. This event offered an excellent platform to raise awareness of GLOBOLA’s mission among the broader community.
For participating students, the event was a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of cultural diversity while developing practical skills in teamwork and event management. A particularly memorable aspect was the role of Sri Lankan students who shared their culinary heritage, fostering stronger bonds within the group. One student reflected, "The warm responses from the community were incredibly encouraging," underscoring the impact of cultural exchange.
The proceeds from this event will support GLOBOLA’s future activities, laying the groundwork for additional opportunities to promote cross-cultural understanding. With continued collaboration with the local community, GLOBOLA aims to expand its initiatives to reach even more people. Supported by the Global Center at OUS, GLOBOLA remains committed to empowering students and advancing the cause of multicultural harmony.