Heartwarming event celebrates International Day of Families in Diepsloot
DIEPSLOOT– Read on how Family Africa celebrated the International Day of Families.
Family Africa celebrated the International Day of Families on 15 May as well as the World Family Organisation’s (WFO’s) 70th anniversary in Diepsloot.
The chairperson of Family Africa, Rachel Aird, who is also on the executive board of the organisation said, “We wanted to make the day very special to raise awareness of the importance of the role of the family in society, plus celebrate the organisation’s work both now and over the last 70 years.”
This year’s observance of the International Day of Families focused on the role of families and family-oriented policies in promoting education and the overall well-being of their members. In particular, the day was to raise awareness of the role of families in promoting early childhood education and lifelong learning opportunities for children and the youth.
The event was attended by six different organisations and 120 people. Aird shared a Powerpoint presentation on what the International Day of Families means and why the WFO was started by the UN and 27 member countries and the importance of its work worldwide.
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There was a lively discussion about what makes up a family, different types of families and also how families can encourage early education and lifelong learning. There were songs and poems from the adults and children and each organisation made up a speech about what their organisations do for families in the community.
Aird then presented families of Diepsloot with recognition awards and “buckets of love” (buckets filled with toiletries, blankets or thermal clothing) to each of the winners.
The 10 winners of the art competition on My Family were then announced and the children and teenagers received their black box surprise prizes full of chocolates, crisps and toys.
Aird concluded that the event ended with lunch served to all the attendees. “It was a wonderful day; a heartwarming coming together of families celebrating our differences and our common desire for the warmth and comfort of a family and our passion to make the world a better place for all families – leaving no family behind,” Aird said.
