At the request of Redeemer Lutheran College, the Confucius Institute at UQ (UQ CI) Chinese teacher Ms. Ying Chi was invited to support their student Chinese cultural experience on May 14 with a focus on dumpling making.
Themed ‘Multiculturalism: the world cuisines’, students expressed a keen interest in a program on ‘How to establish a Chinese restaurant – learning to make dumplings’. Supporting the College’s resident Chinese teacher, UQ CI was pleased to attend and assist with this cultural experience program.
Engaging junior students in the preparation of, and execution of dumpling making, were the key objectives of this activity. Under staff supervision, student tasks were arranged and monitored to promote a high level of food safety, allowing students to experience this culturally significant art form in their own individual way. Importantly, both allergens and religious beliefs were accommodated. Even in the case of gluten intolerance, students were still welcomed to participate in observing the process of cooking dumplings, including adding cold water and measuring how well the dumplings were cooked.
The Chinese dumpling making activity was conducted in three sessions to accommodate the high number of students. As a result of this experience, students could both understand Chinese dumpling culture, and importantly, the process of making dumplings. Students were allowed to make dumplings with different fillings, and taste the handmade dumplings. This was a first for many students who participated. Students then followed up the experience by documenting the dumpling making process.
Redeemer Lutheran College, a Brisbane-based school features student-oriented integrated classes and supports language learning from a young age. The Confucius Institute at UQ appreciated the opportunity to work with the college, and to support Chinese cultural experiences amongst their students.
