This year, Harmony Day at Centacare was marked with a variety of games, food and music in which the students from over 15 different countries in our Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program celebrated cultural diversity.

The day of celebration at our Gosnells site was filled with vibrant colours, a blend of cultures and a fascinating collection of items from countries spanning the globe.

All students and staff came dressed in colourful traditional outfits from their countries of origin and were invited to bring an item which represented their country. These items were used in a Guess the Item, Guess the Country quiz and included traditional ornamental spears from Papua New Guinea, a traditional oil lamp from India, a Japanese bamboo earbud and a traditional Syrian headdress. These curiosities kept the students guessing and also gave them the opportunity to practise their English as they quizzed fellow students from other countries on the origins and uses of the items.

One student from Syria said the traditional headdress evoked fond memories of his homeland, which he left two years ago. It was a touch of home which he was proud to showcase for his fellow classmates.

Centacare’s Gosnells students were joined by students from our newly opened centre in Armadale, which caters for Aboriginal students. In keeping with the spirit of the day, classes were combined and students played games such as Harmony Day Bingo and an activity where students had to match national  flags with the correct country.

With the beat of African music playing in the background, the day culminated in a feast of international flavours and a kangaroo stew for the added Aussie touch!

Approximately 80% of the students in Centacare’s SEE program come from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and we always relish the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate all the good things that diversity brings, not only to our organisation but also to the broader community.