By Danielle Kutchel
Brentwood Park WASEMA Friendship Café played host to a colourful celebration of culture for Harmony Day 2021.
The ladies of the Friendship Café came together on Thursday 25 March to share their culture and stories with new friends and old.
Facilitator Zoh Hasib said guests joined in Arabic, Iranian, and Indian dancing and swapped stories of their traditions.
Those who were unable to make it in person jumped on Zoom to be part of the festivities.
Local businesses donated hampers as prizes on the day, and some of the guests wore their traditional dress.
Ms Hasib said Harmony Day helped the group to get to know each other better.
“It’s a place for them to come in, have an amazing time, feel connected and feel part of something,” she said.
“To me, everyone deserves the same love, the same respect and the same belonging.”
The Friendship Café, which only began its in-person meetings this year, is a safe place of no judgement, Ms Hasib said, with the ladies supporting each other and asking questions to learn more about each other’s cultural backgrounds.
“The embracing of culture that came from the ladies (was beautiful),” she said.
“Our cultures and religious beliefs are not a barrier – clearly, it’s an advantage in this group!” she added.
Find out more about the Brentwood Park WASEMA Friendship Café on Facebook.
