Cultural Heritage sponsors gifts for the event
(Arusha, Tanzania – Monday, July 8 2013) A sea of rich African colours, fashion and traditions dominated this year’s Cultural Day, hosted by The School of St Jude. Students cast aside their uniforms for a day, to dress in the rich, tribal colours of the continent. The students fully embraced the spirit of the event which is about promoting respect and understanding within cultures.
This past Saturday, 6th July, around 1000 students, staff, visiting schools and invited guests gathered at St Jude’s Smith Secondary Campus to see a range of traditional and modern African and Indian dances, raps, dramas and songs. The performances celebrated Africa and also raised awareness of key issues like HIV Aids. Secondary school student at St Jude’s, Hosiana, gave a moving opening speech at the event when she described her thoughts about what being African meant to her. “I believe that we are not Africans because we are only born in Africa but because Africa is born in our hearts,” says Hosiana.
“Cultural Day is very important because people can see how to appreciate and be accepting of people from all backgrounds,” says Mr Abdul, Headmaster at Smith Campus. “We pride ourselves at St Jude’s on choosing the poorest and brightest students from the Arusha region regardless of their ethnic background and religion.”
Budding student designers took centre stage during the fashion show. Colourful fabrics, African prints and beads were shaped into contemporary, flowing, youthful creations. “It’s a special day for me. Other countries can’t make the unique style of clothes you see in Tanzania,” says St Jude’s student, Irene.
The event was sponsored by Cultural Heritage, which provided gifts for the overall winners and book vouchers from Kase Bookstore were also awarded to the winners.
“We are a big supporter of Cultural Day because it advocates harmony and friendship between people,” says Mr. Saif Khanbai from Cultural Heritage. “It is a day to be proud of and it is important for the future generation of children.”
Visiting organisations and schools included Usa Academy Secondary School and Moshono Upper Primary, The Good Hope Orphanage, Tamia Children Centre, ENOCLEFF, Huruma and Tumaini Children Centres.
