13/3/2008 - Celebrating multiculturalism this Harmony Day
AFS students unlock the magic of Ghana
Australia is renowned for being a culturally diverse nation. So much so that the word “multicultural” is often used to sum up the Australian way of life. This Harmony Day, it is important to recognise and appreciate this diversity, not just on a national scale but also worldwide, reminding us of the need for a more peaceful existence. AFS Intercultural Programs is deeply committed to supporting Harmony Day, aiming to promote peace and global understanding through intercultural exchange.
Back in January, AFS Australia sent 15 year old Sydney student Sally Swinnen on a six month high school exchange to Ghana, providing her with the rare opportunity to live with a Ghanaian host family, attend a local school, and learn about the culture first hand. Even in the short time that has passed since her arrival, the experience has made a lasting impression on Sally. “I am so glad that I decided to come here… People here have so little and live life to the fullest… It is so cool how everyone comes together and has fun!”
Sally isn’t the only one whose life has been changed by this amazing country. Sam Nowicki, from Melbourne, participated in an AFS exchange to Ghana back in 2006, experiencing first hand what true cultural diversity is all about. “It’s not about what colour your skin is, they’re my brothers and sisters just like everyone and that’s how they treat me,” says Sam.
Ghanaian society and politics have also benefited greatly from programs organised by AFS partners worldwide. “Over the past eight years, four ministers of state including two Cabinet Ministers had been AFS exchange students. Three current Members of Parliament were AFS students. Two former AFS exchange students contested primaries to become Presidential Candidates. Out of the four Presidential Candidates elected by the political parties in Ghana to contest the December 2008 elections, two studied, worked and lived in the Mid West of America,” says Flagbearer of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom.
Gaining a real understanding of another culture allows people to truly appreciate the contribution that culturally diverse communities make to Australia and to the rest of the world. The AFS mission of “global understanding” is just as important today as when the organisation first began operating.
• Harmony Day has been held on 21 March every year since 1999, and celebrates Australia’s success as a diverse society united by a common set of values.
Media Contact:
Barbara Ratusznik
barbara.ratusznik@afs.org
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