Over a game loved worldwide, Cairns based English, literacy and numeracy students from all over the globe played soccer in honour of cultural diversity and shared a feast of international cuisine to celebrate Harmony Day.
More than 30 ethnic groups are represented at STEPS Education and Training in Cairns with over 70 students from nations like Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Africa and several Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups at Fogarty Park to play and watch the games, while getting to know each other more and the different cultures they share.
Following the games, more than 100 students enjoyed eating a range of international dishes for lunch from their culture or of special meaning for their family with many to wear traditional dress.
In support of the Day’s message of ‘inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for all’ an indigenous student and a Burmese student performed digeridoo and guitar together.
“I think days like this really benefit the students and the community as it breaks down a lot of barriers and gets people trying different foods and the conversations going,” Jessica Bulleid, STEPS Education & Training work experience coordinator said.
“Our students tend to stick with their own groups at lunch and can feel a bit shy, so it’s really wonderful to see people asking about different foods, mixing with each other and sharing of recipes – it really breaks down communication barriers and forms lasting friendships and new understanding.
“I think Harmony Day is one of the most important days for all Australians because it really does celebrate the differences, rather than see them in a negative light.”
Ms Bulleid added that from an employment point of view, bringing the community together and celebrating diversity, helps break down cultural differences in the workplace which is important in Cairns with so many different ethnicities in the area.
Cambodian English language student Keang Heng came to Australia in 2009 and is improving her writing and reading with STEPS. She hopes to work in aged care as she loves the elderly and took care of her adoptive parents in their old age in Cambodia.
“Harmony Day is exciting – it’s really good because you see so many people from many different cultures wearing different costumes,” she said.
“The Australian people are very kind, very nice people and I would like to live here until I die.”
Learning up to sixty new words each week, Ms Heng was delighted to recently learn what ‘peaceful’ meant and how much it links with the celebrations of diversity and inclusiveness for Harmony Day this week.
“Thank you for STEPS in helping me to improve my English – I’m very thankful. Very grateful,” Ms Heng said.
“I hope one day I can read and write properly.”
