Culture corner
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- Written by: Fabrice Asfaux
- Category: Culture corner
Across many schools in the United Kingdom, a modern end-of-school-year tradition has become increasingly popular: the “leavers’ hoodie.” At the end of Year 6, Year 11, or Year 13, students order customised hoodies to mark the end of their time together. These hoodies usually feature the school name, the year group (such as “Class of 2026”), and a list of students’ names or nicknames. What began as a small trend has now spread to thousands of schools and has become a symbol of leaving school life behind.
Unlike formal graduation ceremonies seen in other countries, UK students often wear these hoodies informally during their final weeks, making them part of everyday school life before term ends. While some schools debate issues like cost and uniform rules, the tradition remains extremely popular. For many students, the hoodie becomes a lasting keepsake that represents friendships and memories from their school years.
So, how about wearing a François Mauriac hoodie?
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- Written by: Fabrice Asfaux
- Category: Culture corner
What is Earth Day? What do we celebrate?
Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 to raise awareness about environmental protection and sustainability. First organized in 1970 in the United States, it marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement. Today, millions of people in over 190 countries take part in activities such as tree planting, clean-up campaigns, educational events, and climate action initiatives. Earth Day highlights urgent issues like climate change, pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. It encourages individuals, communities, governments, and organizations to take responsibility and adopt practices that protect the planet and ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
After enjoying the 24 hour relaxing livestream from the BBC, what about watching this sustainable capsule?
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- Written by: Fabrice Asfaux
- Category: Culture corner
Did you know Asian humorists were a big hit in the American and British comedy scenes?
The rise of Asian humorists has been driven by social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, where creators use relatable storytelling, cultural references, and self-aware comedy to reach global audiences. Their humour often blends everyday experiences with identity, family expectations, and cross-cultural misunderstandings, making it widely appealing beyond Asian communities. This shift reflects greater representation and audience demand for diverse voices in comedy. Examples include Atsuko Okatsuna, Ronny Chieng, Joe Wong and Sindhu Vee... all ready to debunk sterotypes about immigration and inclusion! Enjoy watching!
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- Written by: Fabrice Asfaux
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A matriculation ball in Africa is a formal celebration marking the completion of secondary education, especially in South Africa. Students dress in elegant attire, attend a dinner, and dance to celebrate their transition into adulthood. It symbolizes achievement and farewell to school life, often resembling a prom, with ceremonies, photos, and social festivities involving classmates, teachers, and sometimes families.
These events are particularly prominent in Southern Africa and vary widely depending on culture, school traditions, and socioeconomic context.
For example in South Africa, the matric ball—commonly called the Matric Dance—is the most elaborate and iconic version of this tradition in Africa. Held at the end of Grade 12, it resembles a Western-style prom but is often even more extravagant. Students arrive in luxury cars, sometimes limousines or high-end sports vehicles, and make grand entrances on red carpets with photographers present. Formal attire is essential, with tuxedos and designer gowns being the norm. These events are highly social and often include large after-parties, with families playing a significant role in organizing and funding the celebration.
In Namibia, matric celebrations are similar in structure but generally more reserved. Often referred to as matric farewells or formals, these events emphasize elegance and community rather than extravagance. Students still dress formally and gather for an evening that typically includes a dinner, speeches, and dancing. While influenced by South African traditions, Namibian matric events tend to focus more on school pride and shared experience than on displays of wealth or spectacle.
In Zimbabwe, the equivalent event is usually called a Leavers’ Ball and reflects a more traditional and structured approach. Influenced by British formal dinners, these events follow a set program that includes a formal meal, speeches, award presentations, and dancing. While students still dress elegantly, the atmosphere is generally less flashy than in South Africa. Greater emphasis is placed on academic achievement and the symbolic farewell to school life, making the event feel more ceremonial and reflective.
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- Written by: Fabrice Asfaux
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Afrika Bambaataa (born Kevin Donovan) is a pioneering American DJ, rapper, and founder of the Universal Zulu Nation. Emerging from the Bronx in the 1970s, he helped shape early hip-hop culture. Known for "Planet Rock", he fused electronic music with rap, influencing global dance scenes and generations of artists and continues contributing to music culture.
He helped define hip-hop’s core elements (DJing, MCing, breakdancing, graffiti), promoted peace through the Zulu Nation, and introduced electronic sounds into hip-hop—laying the foundation for electro, techno, and modern dance music.
Dj Afrika Bambaataa in Guggenheim museum in New York in March 2025
CINDY ORD/GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP
The song that truly made Afrika Bambaataa famous is Planet Rock (1982). It was a breakthrough hit that brought him international recognition, thanks to its futuristic electronic sound and heavy influence from Kraftwerk.
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- Written by: Fabrice Asfaux
- Category: Culture corner
Asha Gond is an Indigenous skateboarder from the Gond community, who has gained recognition for her exceptional skills and for breaking barriers in the traditionally male-dominated sport. Her story is an inspiring example of how sports can be a powerful tool for empowering young women, especially from marginalized communities.
Let's take a look at this success-packed story!
Asha is from the Gond tribe in Madhya Pradesh, India, and she became one of the first women from her community to take up skateboarding professionally. Growing up in a rural area, access to skateboarding resources and opportunities was limited, but she was determined to pursue her passion. Asha's interest in skateboarding was sparked when she saw other skateboarders in her region, and despite challenges like lack of infrastructure and resources, she began practicing and developing her skills.
She has become an advocate for young women and marginalized groups in India, showing that with passion and perseverance, anyone can break through societal limitations. Asha’s journey is not only about skateboarding but also about challenging stereotypes related to gender and indigenous identity.
Her participation in skateboarding contests and local events has brought attention to the sport in her community, and she’s become a role model for young girls, especially from tribal communities.
Skateboarding is not a traditional sport in tribal cultures like the Gonds. Still, its rising popularity in India’s urban and rural areas is opening up new avenues for youth, particularly for women, to express themselves in non-traditional ways. Asha Gond’s involvement in skateboarding signifies a shift, offering a sense of freedom and empowerment for young people from Indigenous communities.
Such an inspiring success tale!
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