On the Wednesday of Harmony Week, we were so lucky to have the Queensland African Community Council (QACC) come into QACI during Enrichment and lunch to provide a workshop and performance. The workshop consisted of students from Year 10 and 11, and volunteers Nii, Ajok, Addisa, and Nabil. These four came from all over Africa, from Ghana to South Sudan, and were such incredible people to meet and talk to about their life and experiences. Nii's skills with the drums were beyond extraordinary, and Ajok had the most beautiful voice, and was so passionate about her singing and where it has taken her. They shared QACC's mission with us, their goal in helping youth find their identity within their culture, and their place within Australia. Their goal is to establish this harmony in youth throughout their centres, which are set up across Queensland. They provide a place for young people to come in and connect with these aspects of their culture, and learn their traditions; things that we were so lucky to be able to grasp a deeper understanding of.
This collaborative drumming experience offered us the opportunity for everyone to express their own creativity and connection to the arts, especially music. Ajok encouraged us to be curious and throw ourselves into the music, and with Nii, we explored the power of unity in rhythm and storytelling through the drums, learning one of his culture's welcome songs, along with the message that everyone always belongs, no matter who you are or where you're from. Harmony Week is all about the spirit of inclusion across cultures, and QACC did not disappoint.
We are so excited for them to come back in a Trimester 3 Enrichment, to provide us with such a unique learning experience, and to collaborate towards a positive cultural identity, wellbeing, and inclusion, through the power of music, dance, and singing.
“It was such a cool workshop to attend, I really enjoyed the moment where everyone was drumming, singing, and dancing together." – Emilee, Year 11
By Maggie, Year 11