Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School has hosted an Afghan Day to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of their Afghan communities on Wednesday 18 October.
Assistant principal Michael Sweeney said with a significant number of Afghan students in the school, Cranbourne Carlisle recognised the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that reflected the diversity of their student body.
“Cultural Connections Days are one of the many ways the school aims to bridge cultures, share traditions, and promote cross-cultural understanding,” he said.
The event featured a variety of activities, presentations, and performances that showcased the beauty and significance of Afghan culture.
Cranbourne Secondary College teamed up with Cranbourne Carlisle and brought several of their Afghan students to perform at the assembly.
Highlights of the day included traditional Afghan music and dance performances, a showcase of Afghan art and crafts, Afghan cuisine, displays of traditional Afghan clothing and accessories, and discussions and interactions with Afghan students and their families.
Fizza Zafari, a Multicultural Education Aide (MEA) at Cranbourne Carlisle shared her stories of coming to Australia and working in education during the celebration.
Born and raised in Pakistan with an Afghan decent, she arrived in Australia with her husband to start a new chapter of life in 2008.
After completing her certificate IV in education support in 2019, she decided to do some volunteer work at Cranbourne Carlisle and applied as a MEA to support the Afghan community.
She said celebrating, representing, and sharing her culture gave her a sense of pride and belonging in the school community.
“Being part of this day where I can talk and educate the wider community of the experience and my journey as an Afghan and being an Australian makes me a proud citizen,” she said.
“Watching students participate and represent their culture through dance and music made the day more memorable for the staff fellow, students and their families.”
Another MEA from Cranbourne Secondary College Freshta Hassan also shared her stories.
Afghan students have had good time celebrating their culture with other communities in the school.
Student Elnaz said the day meant a lot to her because the jewellery and dresses she was wearing represented her culture that was her whole life.
“My favourites moves are spinning we did with the handkerchief,” she said.
“Having a day like Afghan day could show people who don’t have the same background as me information and history about our culture.
“All of the parents see how we dance and celebrate the culture and how beautiful it is!”
Another Afghan student Afsana shared her highlight moment when she was wearing traditional clothes and performing an ethnic dance from the Hazaras tribe that descended from Mongolia in the 13th century.
“It is an opportunity to celebrate our heritage with the wider school and community,” she said.
“It feels like everyone belongs.”
The MEAs in Cranbourne Carlisle support the EAL (English as an Addition Language) students, providing a bridge between English and their home languages.
