Students at the Emmanuel Education Center took part in a traditional porridge cooking competition on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Pekhon Diocese. The event aimed to celebrate and preserve Kayan cultural heritage.

Organized by Rev. Fr. Peter Rock, the priest-in-charge of Emmanuel Higher Education Center and coordinator of RVA Kayan Service, along with center committee members, the event brought together students from Grades 6 through 12. The center currently serves 342 displaced students enrolled for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Before the cooking began, Fr. Peter Rock addressed the students on the importance of safeguarding indigenous traditions.

“Every tribe or tribal people has its own culture, which is the unique mark of the tribe,” Fr. Peter Rock said. “Thus, it is our inherent duty to maintain and enrich our culture.”

After the opening remarks, students divided into 10 groups, each guided by a student leader, to prepare the traditional dish.

“It is my first time cooking traditional porridge, and it is very exciting for me. I am proud of being a Kayan,” one participating student said. The student noted that while many young people today are drawn toward modern consumerism, preserving cultural traditions remains vital.

Within Kayan culture, traditional porridge is a staple dish shared across both social and religious gatherings. For the students, preparing it together was more than a cooking lesson—it was a way to connect with their roots.

Beyond formal academics, the Emmanuel Education Center provides integral formation for displaced children who have lost regular access to schooling. The center hosts daily and monthly extracurricular programs, including debates, thesis writing, choir, sports, ecosystem awareness, arts, and music.

The event concluded with an award ceremony recognizing the student teams that prepared the best-tasting porridge.

For children living in an IDP camp, days like this offer more than fun. They offer a sense of identity, community, and hope. As they stirred pots and shared stories, the students did more than cook a traditional dish. They kept a piece of their culture alive.

The porridge contest was a simple event, but it carried a deeper message: even in difficult circumstances, tradition and faith can bring people together. Through the guidance of Fr. Peter Rock and the center’s committee, these young people are learning that their heritage is worth preserving—and that joy can still be found in the midst of displacement.

By RVA Kayan Service