Last week’s Harmony Day was celebrated across the ACT’s schools with a wide range of activities and events held to recognise the multicultural nature of the Canberra community.
Among the events hosted by the schools were special assemblies, multicultural feasts, traditional cultural displays and in-class activities to mark the occasion.
Telopea Park School’s Harmony Day (pictured) was led by teacher, Baba Alhadji.
A dual citizen of Mali and Australia, Mr Alhadji said Telopea wanted to do Harmony Day a bit differently this year.
“Multiculturalism is very important,” Mr Alhadji said.
“We should celebrate always multiculturalism and work to maintain it.
“We have over 70 nationalities represented at Telopea and doing something concrete to represent that was a big aim this year.”
He said students were invited to dress to their heritage: “And they really took up the chance.”
He said the school organised a special assembly for the day, during which students walked in parade to show off their cultural dress which was met with rousing applause.
The parade was followed by cultural performances by students.
“Our students were very keen to participate — they were very keen to be involved,” Mr Alhadji said.
“We’ve also made an effort to recognise that Harmony Day falls on the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and this year also coincides with the Hindu Holi festival, so it is a special time.”
A former University of Canberra International Student Ambassador, Mr Alhadji said Australia was one of the most successful multicultural nations, but it was important to keep talking about it.
