Knowledge of cultural diversity in the Azores should be enhanced, says Regional Directorate for the Communities
The Regional Director for the Communities highlighted in Santa Cruz da Graciosa the importance of "enhancing the knowledge" of cultural diversity in the Azores.
"As citizens, we must always adopt a proactive attitude towards the integration of all those who, not being born in the Azores, are living here," said Paulo Teves at the session that marked the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The Regional Director spoke to more than two hundred basic education students o Graciosa Island, stressing that one of the Regional Government's priorities concerns the "promotion of interculturality; it is not limited to a certain age group as it comprises society as a whole."
The programme to mark this day in the Azores included several activities aimed at elementary school students, such as the screening of the DVD "Tales from Abroad," the participation of immigrants residing on Graciosa Island, namely Neuza Muzemba from Angola and Carla Sadrin from Brazil, who presented a traditional tale from their country. Moreover, it also featured a puppet show titled "Children of all Colours" presented by the students enrolled in the Profij IV - Education Assistance course as well as a workshop on "Dances of the World" by Rita Ávila.
Organised in partnership with the Municipal Council of Santa Cruz da Graciosa and Graciosa Basic Education and Secondary School, this initiative falls within the Regional Government's policies for the promotion of interculturality.
Hence, the event promoted moments of socialisation and learning by stimulating the imagination and creativity of youngsters and encouraging their contact with other cultural realities. The primary aim is to instil in them, from an early age, the concepts of diversity and interculturality.
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was established by UN Resolution 2142 of October 26, 1966 evoking the Sharpeville massacre that occurred in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1960. This date is dedicated to raising the awareness of the international community for need to reinforce efforts for the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination in favour of a more just and solidarity-based society.