The Southwest Management District marked a significant milestone on October 10th, 2024 by sponsoring its first-ever student tour, aimed at fostering cultural appreciation and community connections among local youth. Organized by Houston Asiatown Tours LLC, the event brought together over 50 students from Etoile Academy Charter School to explore the vibrant Chinatown corridor, immerse themselves in diverse cultures, and savor authentic Asian cuisines.

A Day of Discovery and Connection

Under the coordination of Cathy Podell of Houston Asiatown Tours, the students embarked on a meticulously planned journey through Chinatown, experiencing the rich tapestry of Houston’s Asian heritage. The tour featured visits to key cultural landmarks, including the Teo Chew Temple, the Asiatown Community Mural at HMart Plaza, Dim Sum King at DIHO Square, the Welcome Food Center, and a delightful stop for Boba Tea at Tapioca.

The itinerary for the day was as follows:

  • 10:00 AM: Departure to Teo Chew Temple
  • 10:45 AM: Visit to Asiatown Community Mural at HMart Plaza
  • 11:15 AM: Lunch at Dim Sum King, DIHO Square
  • 11:30 AM: Tour and walk through Welcome Food Center
  • 12:30 PM: Enjoy Boba Tea at Tapioca
  • 1:45 PM: Conclusion of the tour

Kenneth Li, Chairman of the Southwest Management District, expressed his enthusiasm for the event: “This is our first try, but I think we are going to continue this effort. It’s wonderful to see the students interact with teachers and experience the diversity of the area firsthand.”

Board Members Championing Community Engagement

Peter Acquaro, Board Member and Chairman of Public Safety, highlighted the district’s commitment to inclusivity: “We sponsored over 50 children to experience a culture diverse from their own. Etoile Academy Charter School showed great interest, and we are happy to support this enriching experience for both students and teachers.”

Dawn Lin, another board member, reminisced about her own experiences and underscored the importance of cultural education: “It’s important to learn about different cultures, especially at a young age. This helps us understand that we are all part of the beautiful fabric that makes Houston such a unique and vibrant place.” She further emphasized the novelty of the experience for many students: “Many of these kids have never eaten Chinese food before or used chopsticks. Watching their excitement as they tried new dishes and mastered chopsticks for the first time was truly rewarding. It reminded me of my own youth and the unique experiences that shape our understanding of the world.”

David Peters, Board Member and Chairman of Economic Development, emphasized the long-term benefits of such initiatives: “Sponsoring initiatives like this is crucial for the future of Houston. It helps young people appreciate the diversity that makes our city great and encourages them to engage more deeply with their community.” He shared a memorable moment from the tour: “I had the privilege of teaching the students how to use chopsticks. Seeing their determination and joy as they mastered this new skill was incredible. I’m proud to say that my table performed the best at eating with chopsticks, which added a fun and competitive spirit to the experience. Many of these students had never eaten Chinese food before, so introducing them to these new tastes and traditions was a highlight of the day.”

Educational Impact and Educator’s Perspective

Thomas Cole, Assistant Principal of Culture at Etoile Academy Charter School, shared a comprehensive account of the trip’s organization and its positive impact on students:

“The children reacted to the news with immense excitement. We selected students from our sixth and seventh grades based on their performance in the STAAR tests and our school’s criteria for financial literacy and behavior. These students had limited economic resources at home and rarely had the chance to experience such cultural activities. Watching them respect and appreciate the traditions they encountered was incredibly rewarding. This trip not only broadened their horizons but also strengthened our school’s culture by promoting diversity and inclusion. It’s amazing to see how such experiences can significantly impact their understanding and respect for different cultures, which is essential in our diverse community.”

Student Reactions

Students themselves expressed heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity. Sofia Guzman, a 6th grader, said, “It was great because I can learn about cultures that I never knew. It helps me understand and respect different cultures, which is important for remembering my own family’s heritage.”

Similarly, 7th grader Anyili Diaz shared her initial nervousness and eventual joy: “I was nervous at first, but being on the trip was so exciting and fun. I loved learning about Chinese culture and other cultures in our community.”

Looking Ahead: Expanding Cultural Horizons

Cathy Podell of Houston Asiatown Tours outlined future plans to continue and expand the program: “We’d like to offer these student tours for kids from underserved schools next year and beyond. Additionally, we’re launching the Dumpling Trail in November, where people can explore various dumplings from different cultures across the Chinatown corridor.”

Kenneth Li echoed the sentiment, encouraging more organizations to participate: “This is a wonderful idea that not only educates but also connects students with their community. We hope to see more charities and organizations get involved in future events.”

Houston Asiatown Tours extends their heartfelt thanks to the Southwest Management District for making this enriching experience possible for the children. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Southwest Management District. Their sponsorship allowed us to provide these students with unforgettable cultural experiences that will inspire them for years to come. Without the Southwest Management District’s sponsorship, this enriching experience may not have been possible for these deserving students.” said Cathy Podell.

A Foundation for a Diverse Future

The student tour was a resounding success, setting a strong foundation for ongoing cultural education and community engagement. By providing students with firsthand experiences of diverse cultures, the Southwest Management District is nurturing a generation of respectful, informed, and culturally aware individuals who will continue to enrich Houston’s dynamic community fabric.

As the district looks forward to future tours and initiatives, the positive feedback from students, educators, and board members alike underscores the importance of such programs in fostering unity and understanding in our increasingly diverse society.

About Houston Asiatown Tours, LLC

Houston Asiatown Tours, LLC is dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Houston’s Asian communities through immersive food and cultural tours. Founded by Cathy Podell, the company has been building bridges between diverse populations for over three years. Their mission is to introduce participants to Asian cultures and cuisines, providing them with the knowledge and skills to explore these communities independently. From student tours to corporate groups, senior citizens, and visitors from around the world, Houston Asiatown Tours offers a variety of experiences designed to educate and inspire.

To learn more about their tours and upcoming events, visit Houston Asiatown Tours, LLC | Food Tour.