| Day the world came to
Queensland
By NJOKU ONYEKACHI JET
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
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Liberians
• PHOTO: Sun News Publishing
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There is unity in diversity, so goes the popular adage. This
was the case recently when18 countries came together to showcase
their cultural heritage as Queensland Academy held its maiden
International Community day.
Held at the school playground in Okota, Lagos, the participating
countries included Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, France
and Germany. Also in attendance were Ghana, India, Liberia,
Nigeria, Sierra Leone and South Africa. South Korea, Spain,
Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom and the USA also
made appearances.
Being a global event though having as participants pupils
and students of Queensland Academy, the address was read in
the world’s most accepted languages, English and French.
Among other programmes of the event were parade (march-past),
special presentation such as dances, country profiles etc.
There was also visitation to country pavilions (stand).
The march-past started with the Australian cowboys and girls
of Nigerian origin filing out in their typical aborigine outfits.
Following immediately were the Nigerian-born Brazilians with
their High Commissioner bearing a football, thus symbolizing
the peoples’ love for the round leather game. Egypt
registered her presence in full regalia typical of a true
Egyptian Pharaoh. France and Germany also took the stage in
their colourful traditional attires.
It was a thrilling spectacle when the full-blooded Nigerian
Nkrumah descendants took the stage in varied Ghanaian fabrics.
Bearing the photograph of the only African female president,
Sirleaf Johnson, Liberia’s High Commissioner led his
countrymen and women to take their turn in their beautiful
red, blue and white traditional costumes. Then it was the
turn of the Miriam Makebas, Yvonne Chaka Chakas and the Mark
Fishes of South Africa. India and Sierra Leone were also on
parade.
The Koreans and the over 40 million population of the Republic
of Spain, clad in their beautiful red and white layered dresses
as well as the Americans all made efforts to convince everyone
present that their culture is supreme. Bearing a basket of
fruits, plantain inclusive, Faure Gnassingbe Eyadema’s
children of Nigerian parents showcased what Togo is known
for. And with the ever popular ‘London bridge is falling
down’, the United Kingdom announced their presence in
their beautiful and neatly sewn Scottish skirts and English
suits.
In the special presentation session, the students did not
leave anyone in doubt about their ability to effectively combine
learning with other co-curricular activities. The display
of academic ability was plainly evident in the reading or
citation of each individual’s country and or president’s
profile. This attracted applauses from all present and was
followed by the display of each country’s showcased
traditional dances. The students displayed rare talents with
scintillating dance steps, which left the spectators speechless.
The South Africans were exceptional in this regard. Led by
their High Ccommissioner, the troupe led the people down memory
lane on the life of the country’s first ever black President,
Mr. Nelson Mandela. And the coming to power of Mr. Thabo Mbeki
as well as what makes the nation tick. Captivating display
of Zulu and Swahili dances by the Zulu warriors and their
ladies followed this.
Wife of Consular General to Liberia, Mrs. Chinyere Nzeluem
describes the experience thus: “What we have witnessed
here today is wonderful. I am actually having the fun of a
lifetime that I really do not wish to leave in a hurry.
With this event the school is trying to tell us that there
is no black or white. Really, I wish we could all come together
as one and I urge them to uphold this programme.”
Some of the High Commissioners told Daily Sun
what they have learnt. Ekene
Ugochukwu, 11 years and in year 7 is German High Commissioner:
“I love our dressing, this is the traditional German
colour of black and white. What I have enjoyed most today
is the dances of the various countries. And the programme
has taught me that we should learn to respect other cultures.”
Obianuju Lewedum is 12 years in SS 1. She is the Nigeria’s
High Commissioner and had this to say: “I have really
enjoyed the dancing aspect and I also enjoyed the colourful
parade. The event has taught me that people from all parts
of the world should come together and make peace. Also that
there will be joy and happiness if we shun war.
Proprietress of the school, Mrs. Adenike Okudo spoke on the
significance of the event: “The programmme is about
showcasing the cultures of 17 countries who maintain bi-lateral
relations with Nigeria, including that of Nigeria. You do
not have to travel that far to know what they are known for.
For the children, it is educative. As they are exposed to
these countries, learning is taking place. A child gets to
know all about the country he or she is representing. And
as he sees other countries on parade, he also learns what
they have on display.
“I feel highly impressed about what the children have
showcased here today. All we are trying to do is give them
some form of exposure about other countries of the world.
For instance, their dresses, food, dances, articles of trade,
traditional musical instruments etc. These are also what they
have on display at their stands. We believe that whatever
they might have learnt about these various countries will
live with them for ever.”
For the judges, it was an uphill task deciding the winner
as everyone was a winner. Some of the criteria include parade
and attires, comportment and composure, cuisine, etc. At the
end of the day South Africa emerged overall best country.
Togo and Liberia were placed in the 3rd and 4th positions
respectively.
Twelve year-old Christina Afolabi in year eight is South African
High Commissioner. She expresses her excitement: “I
feel great. At first, I thought I was dreaming when my country
was announced as winner. South Africa is a great country.
I love their dressing, behaviour, I love everything about
them. This event is a good idea and I want the world to learn
from it, come together in unity and live as one big family.”
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