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International Events
In addition to organizing the sister-city exchanges, WIFA coordinates a variety of activities to enhance cultural relationships in the Worthington community. Ethnic dinners, lectures and international festival celebrations are just a few of the ways WIFA strives to achieve its goals of fostering intercultural friendships, welcoming international newcomers, and learning and experiencing cultural differences. The City of Worthington and WIFA believe that understanding different cultures and customs is essential for living in the global community of the 21st century.
A mix of in-person and virtual programming is being offered. We hope you will join us for our upcoming programs outlined here.
Scroll down to view videos of past WIFA-SIFA Live virtual programs presented in partnership with our sister-city Sayama, Japan. Programs include a Tour of Gardens, Student Music Showcase, and Sister City Holiday Traditions.
Upcoming 2022 programs
May 11, 2022 , 7pm - Book Discussion
The Worthington International Friendship Association Book Group plans to meet via Zoom on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 to discuss books featuring Japan. The format will continue to offer more titles to choose from. You may read all, or just one or two. There will be discussion related to the culture and how they are reflected in the different books. Book reservations may be made online by following the links for each title or by calling the Worthington Libraries at 614-807-2626.
- The Makioka sisters, by Junichiro Tanazaki ; translated and introduced by Edward G. Seidensticker
- Daughters of the samurai : a journey from East to West and back, by Janice P. Nimura
- Seventeen syllables and other stories, by Hisaye Yamamoto
- The only woman in the room: a memoir, by Gordon, Beate
- A Little Book of Japanese Contentments by Erin Niimi Lonnghurst (Not available at Worthington Libraries – Amazon link included)
The link to the Zoom meeting will be sent to registrants prior to the discussion. Register for the May 11 WIFA Book Discussion here
Mark your calendar for these future 2022 Book Discussion dates and topics:
- Tuesday, August 9 - Ukraine
- Wednesday, November 16 - Ireland/Wales
July 24, 2022 - International Picnic at Selby Park
More details will be posted when they are available.
October 11, 2022, 7pm - Postcards from India with Author David Mould (via Zoom)
Details and registration information will be posted here when they are available.
Past Featured Programs - WIFA-SIFA Live!
While the pandemic temporarily paused our in-person sister city delegation visits, the Worthington and Sayama International Friendship Associations are coming together virtually to hold joint, live programs featuring cultures and conversation.
October 2021 Tour of Gardens
WIFA and SIFA presented a Tour of Gardens program showcasing gardens of each community.
March 2021 Student Music Showcase
WIFA and SIFA held a virtual student music showcase, which featured choral and instrumental music, and also reflected on the 10th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
- Watch the entire March 2021 program here.
(recording begins a few minutes into the introductions) - March 2021 program flyer
December 2020 Holiday Traditions
The first-ever live virtual WIFA-SIFA program featured winter holiday traditions from Sayama and Worthington.