June 18, 2024
Unfinished Business
Everything is a work in progress but some business is particularly unfinished. This month we offer brief reflections in the wake of Sorry Day. We also highlight some upcoming programs, share the excitement and value of taking our holistic diversity data tool Diversity Atlas into the world, and more. Plus we continue our fantastic offer of 3 months’ free educational resources from our Learning Lands platform when you book a program with us.
Table of Contents
Tech Diversity
Our CEO and Founder Peter Mousaferiadis recently delivered a popular talk at Big Data & AI World London that touched on the lack of diversity among the dominant tech developers and the limited datasets they rely on, magnifying biases that perpetuate inequities and disharmony.
TechDiversity is a social enterprise devoted to the vital work of growing a diverse, inclusive and equitable technology workforce across all industry sectors.
Last month our diversity data platform Diversity Atlas mapped the collective culture of participants at the TechDiversity Awards for the third year running, with our Education and Experiences Leader Nicola Diomides and Diversity Atlas Cultural Attaché Quincy Hall delivering the results.
Note that Bengali and Gujurati were both in the top 10 languages spoken at advanced proficiency in the room. Few if any other available diversity data tools would reveal this information or identify that 3.8% of the room hold a self-defined spiritual worldview.
Diversity Atlas was recently cited in an article for top American political publication The Hill by leading race theorist Dr Sheena Mason as a tool that can help ‘create a future without as much of the injustice, inequity, sameness and exclusion that we all maintain, even if unintentionally.’
Do you want to know how Diversity Atlas would enhance cohesion and intercultural competence in your school or organisation?
fka Children’s Services (fkaCS) Partnership
Cultural Infusion is proud to partner with fka Children’s Services (fkaCS).
Established in Melbourne in 1908, fkaCS advocates for children’s cultural and linguistic rights and provides support for educational and care services to provide culturally rich environments.
Join fkaCS today and receive the following benefits from us:
- 6 months’ free access to Cultural Infusion’s Learning Lands platform upon booking any program with us.
- An additional 10% discount when you book any of the following 5 pre-primary programs:
To use your discount, contact us quoting your membership number:
Website: https://education.culturalinfusion.org.au/
Phone: 03 9412 6666
Email: [email protected]
Book for NAIDOC Week!
NAIDOC Week begins on 7 July this year with the theme KEEP THE FIRE BURNING! BLAK, LOUD AND PROUD.
Our brilliant presenters have many offerings. We can even tailor a program specially for you. These programs are popular so book NOW to avoid disappointment!
Final Call: New Touring Program for New South Wales
To help you extend your NAIDOC Week celebrations, last month we announced First Nations Educator Djarrin (pictured above)’s new touring program for New South Wales
With his deep connection to his Barkindji heritage, Djarrin offers unique insights and stories. Spots are limited so don’t miss this opportunity to engage with culture in a meaningful and immersive way! Available from 22 to 31 July.
Book Early for Bastille Day!
Celebrate Bastille Day with Chris, available in Victoria. A renowned variety performer, Chris takes students on an exploration of the culture, history and significance of France’s national day. With puppetry, charades, magic tricks, juggling and more, Bastille Day with Chris brings history to life in a highly interactive and engaging workshop.
‘It was an absolute hit with our Year 8 students! From start to finish, Chris wowed the audience with his mesmerizing tricks and delightful performance, leaving everyone in awe and wonder. The students were eager to participate in the magic tricks, and Chris skillfully incorporated audience participation, making the experience even more immersive and exciting. Bravo et merci beaucoup!’ Toorak College
Our other terrific French programs include Mime Magnifique!, Les Chansons Françaises (Queensland) and Classic French Music (New South Wales).
Unfinished Business
Sorry Day is an annual Australian commemoration on 26 May to mark the anniversary of the 1997 tabling of the Bringing Them Home report, which contained revelations that shocked most Australians and included 54 recommendations, many still unmet. This year’s theme was ‘Bringing Them Home – the unfinished business’.
Our Founder and CEO Peter Mousaferiadis has worked with members of the Stolen Generations since the 1990s. This month (June), Peter and esteemed colleagues Uncle Paul and Aunty Gabby facilitated the first of a series of workshops with Western Health, in Melton on the western outskirts of Melbourne, exploring identity with members of the Stolen Generations. Here are some of Peter’s reflections from the day:
‘It was a day of deep listening, learning, healing and fun … Multiculturalism is viewed by many Aboriginal people as something that has overshadowed the existing cultures of the land, potentially diminishing the prominence of Aboriginal culture. Aboriginal culture, with its rich history spanning more than 60,000 years, is for everyone to understand and appreciate. It emphasises the importance of looking after the land that has provided such a beautiful place for all of us.’
Aunty Gabby and Aunty Dawn facilitated a professional development session for teachers at Mac.Roberstson Girls’ High School, winning us this endorsement:
‘The presenters were amazing! The session was highly educational and relevant to our school RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) program. Our vision recognizes that we work on stolen land and strive to reconcile this reality; we were not here first, and sovereignty was never ceded. It is crucial to remember this as a fundamental motivation for our vision. This was well explained and presented.’
Do you know we also offer corporate programs? Aunty Gabby recently completed this magnificent framed artwork with and for Incitec Pivot Limited in Melbourne, the culmination of an interactive workshop where everyone designed their own gum leaf:
June Events and Appearances
5 June Our Marketing & Communciations Coordinator Marios Chatzidamianos participated in Product Led Hub’s DEI Summit in Athens, Greece.
17 June Our Diversity Atlas team is participating in myGwork’s WorkPride online event.
29 June Marios Chatzidamianos is participating in the 26th International Symi Symposium in Samos, Greece.
Calendar Spotlight: Nelson Mandela Day, 18 July
‘It is not our diversity which divides us; it is not our ethnicity, or religion or culture that divides us. Since we have achieved our freedom, there can only be one division amongst us: between those who cherish democracy and those who do not.’ Nelson Mandela
While July in Australia is indisputably NAIDOC Week, our calendar spotlight is on Nelson Mandela Day, a day that commemorates his birthday and inspires cultural celebrations around the world.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918–2013) was an anti-apartheid revolutionary and eventually South Africa’s first democratically elected president, serving between 1994 and 1999, admired worldwide for his commitment to peace and reconciliation.
From 1964 to 1990, Nelson Mandela was famously incarcerated after standing trial for plotting to overthrow the apartheid government. His imprisonment and the apartheid system he opposed inspired global protests and popular songs that became rallying cries. In 1993, Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Check your local area for details on how to participate in Nelson Mandela Day celebrations.
Freebie
Remember that booking a program with us entitles you to 3 months’ free educational resources from our Learning Lands platform comprising six innovative resources including lesson plans, internationally award-winning apps, games and activities to support and encourage intercultural competence.
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