A whole host of young people stretched across the globe to bring the world to Aberdare for a special day of international and intercultural fun and laughter.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Services for Young People Environmental Education Team held the event to promote global citizenship, and tackled a far-reaching range of global issues.
Hundreds of people flocked to Dare Valley Country Park to enjoy a taste of foreign cultures – and all agreed it was an event to remember.
Although many of the activities were initially orientated for the younger person, people of all ages soon became involved and had a day to remember as they learnt more about differing cultures and concerns of those from far off lands.
African drumming workshops and a water race, traditional art and craft from Japan, together with an accordion performance from Portugal were just some of the many activities on offer.
The Council’s Children’s Librarian, Ceri Roberts gave storytelling classes about Aborigines and Native Amercians along with a Tai Chi workshop from expert Huw Griffiths and American Tribal Style Belly Dance with Bhakti Tribal.
The many visitors were regaled with exotic food from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, got involved with energetic Zumba dancing; and very popular children’s entertainment such as face painting, origami and bracelet making.
Plenty of Welsh culture was represented by the Colstars Youth Theatre Group from Aberdare, who were in fine voice in the courtyard, and traditional food was served in Café Y Cwtch.
Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf Cllr Sylvia Jones, who officially opened the day along with Youth Mayor Lewis Jevons, said: “It was marvellous to see so many people flock to the beautiful Dare Valley Country Park and enjoy a memorable day where they were able to have a real taste and feel of differing cultures and lifestyles. Clearly everyone had plenty of fun as they involved themselves in the vast array of activities on offer and many congratulations to all those who organised the event.”
This year the event had been organised as a trip around the six main continents: participants could collect a passport as they arrive, and then receive a stamp when visiting a continent. When five continents were completed, they produced their finished passport and received a prize.
Organised by UNA Exchange European volunteer from Germany, Katrin Brünjes the event was supported by Emma Elliott, Environmental Education Project Officer, and numerous international volunteers currently based around Wales.
