Pakistan next topic for Cultural Thursday

Two students from Pakistan at Central Lakes College in Brainerd will present the next free Cultural Thursday program at noon Thursday in the Chalberg Theatre. The program is open to the public.
Imran Samuel, 31, will talk about the variety of cultures in Pakistan, including foods, styles of dress, lifestyles and ceremonies. He also will talk about the contrasts with American culture. He said family bonding and a “joint family system” are part of Pakistani life.
Irshad Hussain, 24, is from one of the remote areas of Pakistan, where he grew up in humble conditions. He said, “I have learned to accept challenges and believe that to live life in a better way is itself a big challenge, particularly for someone like me who has always encountered obstacles.”
The students, both majoring in business, are attending CLC for one year through the Community Colleges for International Development program sponsored by the U.S. State Department. CLC was the first college in Minnesota approved for participation three years ago.
The program gives under-served, non-elite young adults from various countries an expense-paid year of education. The students take 15 credit hours per semester at CLC and sign up for 60 hours of unpaid internships and volunteer activities. A key component is leadership and acquisition of knowledge essential to economic and democratic development for their home nations.
Cultural Thursday is presented by the Resource Center for Cultures and Languages of the Americas at CLC.