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Teenagers from across Babergh took part in an exciting and fun-packed event aimed at promoting understanding and respect of other cultures.
A drama workshop based on the theatre play Refugee Cafe, was specially adapted for the day and was one of the star attractions at Babergh District Council’s 2008 Youth Conference, called Uniting Cultures.
Representatives, aged between 12 and 16 years old, from schools and youth organisations across the district attended interactive workshops, as well as a vibrant cultural marketplace.
A presentation from Junior Johnson, from charity community group Young Urbanites treated youngsters to a look at the growing ‘Blinglish’ slang, its roots in different languages and how it has developed in 2008. Junior founded Young Urbanites and it offers support, advice, guidance and opportunities to children who may not otherwise fit into mainstream activities and education.
In the afternoon delegates were able to travel around a cultural marketplace with stalls, information and demonstrations on a variety of subjects including the art of henna body painting and head massage.
Other exhibitions at the cultural marketplace included representatives from the Polish, Indian, African and the Gypsy and Traveller community. Delegates were also be treated to music with an Eastern European flavour from the group Pinkyumbrella, a belly dancing demonstration from Henrietta Lewis and overtone singing from Rami Shaafi. Representatives from the Innerheart steel band climaxed the event.
Jill Barton, Babergh’s Community Development Officer, said: “This year’s youth event was aimed at helping the young people to understand more about other cultures and traditions and proved to be an exciting, colourful and educational day. By taking the step to accepting and understanding different cultures, the chances of prejudice decreases and we encourage a more diverse and vibrant community to flourish in Babergh.”
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