Harmony Week is just around the corner. It's the perfect time to teach our kids about the beauty of cultural diversity in Australia. This year, Harmony Week runs from March 17 to March 23, celebrating the message that "everyone belongs." It's a chance to honour the different cultures, languages, and traditions that make Australia such a vibrant place to live.
Coming from a lineage of immigrants, I know how important it is to embrace and celebrate our differences. My daughter, who is now attending nursery school, is already curious about the world, and Harmony Week gives me a fun excuse to show them how amazing it is to be part of a multicultural community. Plus, these activities are simple and affordable. Because let's be honest, no one has time for Pinterest-level crafts when there's laundry piling up.
What is Harmony Week?
Harmony Week is an annual celebration in Australia that promotes inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone, no matter their cultural or linguistic background. It began in 1999 and is held every year in March, coinciding with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21 (Harmony Day). It’s a reminder that our diversity makes us stronger and that everyone has a place in the Australian community. It is a reminder of the importance of the different cultures that make Australia, Australia.
Feeling a sense of belonging is really important for each of us. Unfortunately, there is a risk that celebrating Harmony Week might end. I've read a report on SBS Australia that the celebration can hide the racism brought about by people's lack of understanding (or regard) of others. Some suggest this event gets replaced by an anti-racism celebration. Regardless of what happens, here are Harmony Day and Harmony Week activities to try.
How to Teach Kids About the Value of Diversity on Harmony Week
1. Explore the World Through Food
The theme of Harmony Week is "everyone belongs," and if there's one thing that brings people together, it's food. Try cooking a dish from a different culture and let your kids help out. My daughter loves mixing ingredients ... even if half of it ends up on the floor. You could make homemade dumplings, a simple pasta dish, or even flatbread. If cooking feels too ambitious, grab some treats from your local international grocery store. Even researching about aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander food together will do!
Sharing a meal is the easiest (and yummiest) way to start conversations about where food comes from and who makes it. My older sister married a wonderful man who is Muslim, and their family celebrates Eid every year. Last year, they invited us over for a feast, and my toddler discovered a deep love for samosas. Now, whenever we pass their house, she asks, "Auntie, samosa?" Food has a funny way of bringing people closer.
2. Travel the World Through Books
Books are another great window into other worlds. Borrow books from your local library that highlight stories from different cultures. Many libraries put together Harmony Week displays, so you don't even need to search. Read together and talk about what makes each culture special.
My niece attends a public school, and for last year's Harmony Week, her teacher read the class a picture book about the Lunar New Year. They got so excited that they came home and tried to teach the whole family how to do a dragon dance. It was chaos, but the joy was contagious. Check out events in your local area; I'm sure there'd be many in your bookshops and libraries.
3. Get Creative with Cultural Crafts
Set up a simple craft area at home and make art inspired by different cultures. You and your kids could paint Aboriginal dot art, create paper lanterns, or even design mini flags from around the world. You don't need fancy supplies; just paper, crayons, and a sense of adventure.
At the nursery school my little girl attends, the teachers already sent out a memo about a bead bracelet-making activity for Harmony Week. They will be making bracelets with beads in different colours to represent different cultures. Check out local community events that you and your kids can participate in. If there are none, you could even head your locale's activities!
How to Teach Children About Diversity on Harmony Week (cont.)
4. Learn New Languages Together
Another fun idea is to challenge your kids to learn how to say "hello" in a new language every day during Harmony Week. It's an easy way to show that different languages are something to celebrate. Use Harmony Week as a chance to practise other languages with family and friends. Learning about their language also allows you to hear other people's stories. You can also check out awesome foreign-language films or music.
One of my closest mum friends is from India, and she's been teaching my daughter to say "Namaste." Every time they meet, my kid proudly presses their hands together and says it with a big smile. It's a small thing, but it warms my heart to see them connecting through language.
5. Celebrate Your Own Culture
When I was growing up, my mum would always make these little egg cakes during special occasions. She has already passed the recipe to us, and this year, I'm planning to bake it with my daughter to share with our neighbours. It's a sweet way to honour my roots while building connections in our local community.
Harmony Week isn't just about learning from others; it's also a chance to celebrate your own background, traditions and practices. Share your family's cultural traditions with your kids. Teach them a favourite childhood recipe, play music from your heritage, or share stories from your upbringing. Maybe you can entice them by awesome music shows like PopAraby, PopDesi and PopAsia on SBS.
6. Listen to people from different backgrounds
Lastly, take this opportunity to listen to the stories of other people who come from other backgrounds. After all, realising that somebody else has felt the same way helps you feel less alone. There will be plenty all around you, but if you (or your kids) are not ready to approach others, many community radio stations have culture-based shows. It's powerful to hear other people's stories and can even serve as an opportunity to share your story too. The best thing is, listening is free.
Conclusion: Embracing Cultural Diversity on Harmony Week
Australia is one of the most multicultural countries in the world. I love being an Australian because it's a place where so many cultures can come together and call it home. My family’s roots may be elsewhere, but here, we get to celebrate who we are while learning from others. Watching my little girl grow up in an environment where they can share their heritage and embrace new ones makes me hopeful for the future.
At the end of the day, Harmony Week is about kindness, curiosity, and belongingness. The great thing is that there's plenty happening around Harmony Week. These little activities aren't just fun; they're planting seeds of empathy and understanding that will grow for years to come. In simple ways, this celebration inculcates a sense of belonging for all Australians.
And who knows? Your child might just discover a new favourite food or a beautiful new tradition along the way!
