Lunchtime at Albury North Public School took on a distinctly African flavour when students were treated to a Congolese buffet prepared by four mothers from the school community.

The event proved a great success, welcoming nearly 150 students and staff to experience traditional dishes like chapatti, chicken wings, samosas, pilau rice, fried sweet green bananas, and fufu, a West African favourite made from cassava.

Principal Paul Smith reflected on how the celebration of diversity will continue to enrich the school.

“The lunch truly captures the heart of our school,” he said.

“Our African mums brought the most incredible energy, generosity, and pride into our school.

“The food they prepared was amazing but even more powerful was seeing our children engage with their culture, tasting new flavours, asking questions, learning, and connecting.

“It was joyful, authentic, and a beautiful reminder of how lucky we are to have such strong community partnerships.”

Albury North’s student population includes children from Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Swahili, Kinyarwanda and Dinka are all spoken by Albury North students and the Mr Smith said he was proud of what the school represents.

“When our school opens its doors to our community, we’re not just sharing food - we’re building understanding, respect, and relationships,” he said.

“These experiences help children see that their own cultures are valued and that learning extends well beyond the classroom. It also allows families to feel proud of what they can contribute.”

Parent Mrs Nkunzicimpaye, who grew up as a refugee in Burundi, has two children at the school.

“I can’t tell you how much support we’ve had,” she said.

“It has made me feel part of it and any time they want me, I want to be here.

“Every time my kids are coming here to school, I see a change in them. The changes are visible every day.”

She enjoyed preparing food for the students, being told by many that it was “amazing”, “delicious” and “different to anything I have had before”.

Malawi-born Year 5 student Florie Alex said he was thankful his classmates could try the food.

“They never tried it before, and it made me so happy to see them enjoying it,” he said.

“I like living here because I have some new friends and the school has really helped with my education and learning English.”