Cultural fun in Hargreaves Mall

ORGANISERS of the International Day for schools held in Hargreaves Mall yesterday have hailed the event a success.

Students from Weeroona College, Bendigo South East College, Eaglehawk Secondary College and Crusoe College came together to celebrate Harmony Day.

The event marked the end of a Cultural Awareness Development program that the Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services had been running in schools in 2012 and 2013.

Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services general and programs manager Noemi Cummings said the program was about promoting harmony, diversity and building bridges between students from different backgrounds.

“The program and day was about creating a bit of awareness of the different cultures in Bendigo,” she said.

Ms Cummings said International Day for schools was a good way to conclude the program and she hoped it would run again next year and include primary school students.

“Many people say we should start talking to the students earlier,” she said.

“I think we should start teaching them about cultural awareness in grade six instead of at high school.”

Ms Cummings said she had received lots of support from local primary schools who were keen to be a part of the next program.

A children’s book aimed at improving cultural diversity in young people was officially launched at the event in the mall. 

The book is called Let’s Play Together and details the rules of 50 games played around the world. 

Ms Cummings said the book, created by the Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services, would serve a number of purposes.

“It will create an opportunity for people to interact while playing and having some fun,” she said.

Ms Cummings said people from different countries shared the same games with slightly different rules and the book was a way to learn about other cultures.

Let’s Play Together is available from the Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services office at 120 McCrae Street for $20. 

People & Places – Page 33