Festivities including a street parade, drumming performance and multicultural dinner have been planned for the Shepparton celebration of Africa Day and the International Day for African Children.
‘There are 60 million children across the world who don’t go to school and half of those are from Africa,’’ Mr Mupenda said. ‘Our message is that they are the children of the world and they have the right to go to school and be well-treated just like any other child .’
On the day, there will be a coin collection for African children affected by poverty, disease and other problems. Mr Mupenda said the event was not just for the African community and encouraged all people to come along to the event.
In addition to a parade down Maude St, there will also be guest speakers, dance, drumming and the performance of a play called Heart Problem. ‘Heart Problem will be played by some African and Australian teenagers to express some opinion about what is happening to our children in Australia,’ Mr Mupenda said.
‘Sometimes there is opposition between cultures. People should come and watch the play to see what happens.’
The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District, Victorian Multicultural Commission, United Nations Association Victorian Division, Goulburn Murray Local Learning and Employment Network and UnitingCare Cutting Edge will support the celebrations.
The event is on Saturday, June 14 and starts with a street parade at Shepparton’s Maude St Mall at 3 pm. The parade walks to UnitingCare Cutting Edge Hall, 136 Maude St, for the other activities. The play will start at 5 pm and a multicultural dinner will also be served.
Article and image courtesy Shepparton News
