On the 21st March, 2011, The Girls & Boys Brigade celebrated Harmony Day. This is a national event that aims to celebrate what makes each Australian unique and special by sharing what we have in common and by promoting an inclusive and respectful community. We celebrated the lead up to the day by reading stories to the children from other children around the world and we talked about how these children’s lives were similar and different to our own.
On Harmony Day itself, the children were treated to a multicultural afternoon tea, art and craft activities from different cultures as well as a variety of sporting games from across the globe. The children were also invited to dress in the traditional dress or clothing from their cultural background.
The overall theme of Harmony Day this year is “Everyone Belongs”. This theme got me thinking about the sense of belonging that we at The Girls & Boys Brigade aim to create, not only for the children who attend each day but also for their families and the community more broadly.
During 2010, we organised a variety of activities for the children to participate in. These were aimed at not only keeping the children active and engaged but also to provide an opportunity for them to have new experiences that develop their friendships and connections in the community. For example, Sailors with DisAbility took a group of children sailing around Sydney Harbour. This adventure was a great way for the children to experience the harbour. We also visited the ANZ Stadium at Olympic Park courtesy of South Cares to watch a Rabbitohs v’s Roosters league match. For many of the children this was their first experience watching their heroes up close.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kate Anderson who took the children on a wonderful tour of the New South Wales Art Gallery. This was followed up with an art experience back at the Centre, resulting in a beautiful multi cultural artwork, which is proudly hung in our building. I would also like to thank Annie and Henry Herron, who for the fourth year have opened up their hearts and their farm “Kimbri” for a three day children’s camp, which each year keeps getting better and better. The children leave with such fond memories that are talked about for many months.
To have a place that the children feel safe, respected, cared for and ultimately that they belong is central to the broader activities, events and family support we provide for our enrolled families. Each child that comes to our Centre brings with them their own history, cultural background, family dynamics and unique circumstances. To connect and have some level of understanding and empathy for these differences is extremely important, as this is what makes us feel that we belong; that those around us accept and support us for who we are including our challenges and complexities. This is important for all the children and for their families as we continue to care for them.
Amy Haddadi, Children’s Program Co-ordinator