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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.
Virtual Programs
Due to the pandemic, WIFA has suspended in-person programming. However, we remain committed to staying connected and providing relevant cultural information and resources. Virtual programs and opportunities are continuing to be developed. WIFA also has created this list of resources and international news to keep you informed of international and cultural happenings.
Upcoming 2021 programs
August 10 - Book Discussion
The Worthington International Friendship Association Book Group plans to meet via Zoom on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 7:00 pm to discuss books featuring Southeast and East Asia, and Pacific Islander nations. 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 different cultures and how they are reflected in the different books.
Southeast Asia
- Philippines: In The Country: stories by Mia Alvar
- Vietnam: The Mountains Sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai
Pacific Islander (refers to those whose origins are the original peoples of Polynesia Hawaii or native Hawaiian)
East Asia
- Korea: Please Look After Mom by Shin Kyung-sook, (Translated by Chi-Young Kim)
Reserve books online by calling
the Worthington Libraries at 614-807-2626
Register for the August 10 WIFA Book Discussion here
Future 2021 Book Discussion date: November 10
October 7 at 7pm - Prominent Gardens of the World
Landscape architect Laura Burchfield, co-author of the book "American Home Landscapes," will lead a virtual "tour" of England’s famed Great Dexter and other prominent Gardens of the U.K. This program will be presented via Zoom in partnership with the Worthington Garden Club, Worthington Griswold Center, the Worthington International Friendship Association and Worthington Libraries. Registration information will be made available at a later date.
2022 International Celebration Dinner
WIFA hopes to bring our popular International Dinner Celebration back in 2022. Details will be posted here when they are available.
Past Featured Program - WIFA-SIFA Live!
The Worthington and Sayama International Friendship Associations are coming together virtually to hold joint, live programs featuring cultures and conversation.
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.