'Share Africa' project
23rd February 2010
Things hot up as Nyanchar, Nyalip, Nyibol & Chuol ,Sudanese women from Ballarat, are preparing to deliver their cultural exchange workshop - Share Africa - to schools during Cultural Diversity Week March '10 under the guidance of tutor, Shiree Pilkinton.
The project
A group of Sudanese women are undergo training to develop a 1 ½ hr-2hr Cultural Awareness Workshop Package about African Culture suitable for delivery in schools and for community groups.
As well as developing content and resources they are developing skills in communication, promotion, taking bookings, delivery and evaluation.
The participants will have the opportunity to refine the package through a series of pilot workshops.
Aims
• To promote acceptance and understanding of different cultures amongst the Ballarat & District Community, and in particular school children
• To pass on useful skills to the participants
• To provide the participants with opportunities to actively participate in community life
• To provide the participants with a small business opportunity
Background
This project idea came from one of the women, Nyanchar Deng, who wanted a way to share her culture in schools.
Effie Litras, the ESL & Multicultural Project Officer from Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, was successful in receiving a grant from Vichealth for this project. Ballarat RADO Verity Higgins, is coordinating the project which is auspiced by the City of Ballarat.
Training
The training began in mid 2009 and is being delivered once a week through term times by Shiree Pilkinton from the Ballarat East Community Learning Place.
Pilot Workshops
Two pilot workshops for schools have been organised by Effie Litras and will be delivered in two small schools on the outskirts of Ballarat in March 2010 during Cultural Diversity Week.
Other Outcomes
The women have already delivered a successful food stall at the Eureka Festival in December 09 and are also running one for the launch of Cultural Diversity Week together with teaching cous-cous making at the Snake Valley Community Hall.
photos by Shiree Pilkinton
Member Comments
Congraturlations!
Liz Hardiman
(): 25th Feb 10
I was fortunate enough to be a member of the 'test' group for the ladies first 'Share Africa' session, and was so impressed with their social, cultural and gastronomical skills! Ovbiously this program is growing from strength to strength, and the ladies capacity to run their own educational programs will soon become a reality. Well done to both the organisers and the participants. You're on your way!
exciting times!
Shiree Pilkinton
(): 26th Feb 10
What a journey this project has been....and continues to be! Six months into the project and the women have bookings as caterers, food vendors and facilitators or workshops in schools and the community! A cooking workshop is coming up in Snake Valley on world harmony day (March 21) - just 6 places remain. Contact me on shiree@pilkintonproductions.com to book.
enjoying my culture
Nyanchar Deng
(): 26th Feb 10
This makes me really happy because it can give me work, and people can enjoy my culture.
great project
Jo Grant
(): 26th Feb 10
so nice to see these kinds of projects being supported - congratulations to all involved. good luck in Snake Valley - love to see the results.
The sweet taste of harmony!
Susan
(): 1st Mar 10
Such a fantastic project - congratulations to all involved. I look forward to seeing it unfold and would love to see other communities become so inspired.
workshop booked out!
Shiree Pilkinton
(): 2nd Mar 10
4 days ago I wrote that we had 6 spots remaining in the Share Africa cooking workshop.....now we are full and have a waiting list of names of people waiting in the wings incase anyone pulls out. We will be running another workshop within the next couple of months I am sure - watch this space.
The women will be food vendors on March 17 in Alfred Deakin Place (Ballarat) for an evening of multicultural food and performance, and are looking forward to presenting their first two workshops in schools on March 19th. Our workshops are geared towards schools and community events/festivals. They can include dance, children's games, storytelling, song, geography, crafts (such as beading) and opportunities for attendees to ask loads of questions to find out more about Sudanese culture.
This looks great!
Deb Milligan
(): 9th Mar 10
What a wonderful and heartwarming project. congratulations to everyone involved.
Cooking up a storm
Verity
(): 17th Mar 10
Nyanchar, Nyibol and Nyalip are cooking up a storm at the kithchen in the Ballarat Art Gallery just down the corridor from me as I write. They're running a food stall for the launch of Cutural Diversity week in Ballarat which as well as some great international food will feature performances by Sayon Souare and Los Locos. On Friday they head off to two primary schools to pilot their cultural exchange workshop and then on Sunday its off to Snake Valley to teach cous cous making to members of the local community.
Congratulations
David Brown
(): 29th Mar 10
Great to see everybody doing so well, I am very proud to be part of your project. Looking forward to showing everybody the completed documentary.
Great project
Aleshia
(): 22nd Sep 11
It's inspiring to hear of these types of projects, hope that many more of this kind can happen throughout the region.
