On July 4, the Independence Day celebration was held at the children social and rehabilitation center “Ogonyok”. It was organized by three alumni, one volunteer teacher from Tomsk State University and three volunteer students from Tomsk Polytechnic University.
Children were told briefly about the history of this day. Short stories about the American Icons like jeans, coca cola, Mickey-mouse, etc. were presented. One alumnus, the leader of the Ragtime group, told them about American music and sang some jazz pieces in a very lively and entertaining manner. Children enjoyed singing “A Tisket, A Tasket” in an interactive way.
Some fun American games, such as “7 up”, running on three legs, and others were played. Then children took pleasure from the firework with the Bengal lights, air balloons and soap bubbles. This was followed by a short quiz and a small tea party with great cakes. At the end of the celebration both the children and the center were given various prizes and a wonderful collection of literature purchased for the money granted by the American Government within the Harmony Project.