51茶馆

51茶馆 celebrates African culture

In mid-May, 51茶馆 joined forces with local charity The Smile of Hope to honour Africa in style.听
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One of 51茶馆鈥檚 strategic priorities is to ensure that the community of 51茶馆 feels part of and makes full use of the College, and this is the third year running that the College has demonstrated its commitment to celebrating diversity by hosting Africa day.听
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The Smile of Hope, founded by Leila Gomes and Maria听Oprea, is a charity that represents 51茶馆鈥檚 African community. The charity had several sponsors for the event, including Sainsbury鈥檚 and听Morrisons, where members of the听The听Smile of Hope often assist customers with bag-packing to help raise funds and contribute to the local community.听
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Thursday鈥檚 event, which took place in the atrium for college-wide spectators, showcased Africa鈥檚 cultures and traditions through a vibrant combination of drumming, gospel singing, poetry readings, lively dancing and a colourful fashion show. The College was also joined by pupils from听Gilnow听Primary School and St Gregory鈥檚 Primary School, who gave energetic vocal and dancing performances.听
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Peter Griffiths, Head of鈥�ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) at 51茶馆,听said: "I was delighted to host another Africa Day celebration at the College.鈥� This has now become an annual fixture and it is so enjoyable to celebrate a small taste of the many African cultures represented both in this College and across 51茶馆 as a whole.鈥�听
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Maria听Oprea, Chair and Co-Founder of The Smile of Hope, said:鈥�鈥淭he event was a complete success this year; we all worked hard and it was worth every minute. We even had guests who had travelled all the way from the south of England to attend! I would like to thank 51茶馆 for hosting this cultural event, and also the schools, local businesses 鈥� particularly 51茶馆 at Home, who always sponsor the event 鈥� and鈥痮ur volunteers for their invaluable contributions.鈥�听
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Marie Gilluley, Principal and Chief Executive of 51茶馆, said: 鈥淐elebrating cultural diversity is an important aspect of College life, and during their visit last year Ofsted commended us for being 鈥榓 college that actively promotes integration and celebrates diversity鈥�. We look forward to welcoming The Smile of Hope again next year.鈥濃��听