SINGING, dancing and enticing food were in abundance over the weekend as the community gathered to celebrate Congolese Independence Day.
Held at the St Paul’s Catholic Church hall in Mount Gambier, Congolese migrants shared their culture with the wider community by dancing and singing traditional songs.
Developing a strong relationship with Congolese people since the first family arrived in 2010, Mount Gambier North Primary School principal Jane Turner extended her blessing to the community.
“I want to say thank you for your gift of your culture, your smiles and your joy, these are gifts that we didn’t have before in our school and community,” she said.
“Only two weeks ago our Karen and Karenni community celebrated 10 years of new arrivals and they came together to say we are here to stay.
“I sincerely hope for Mount Gambier the African community is here to stay as well.”
However, although the families have now been given a better life, there are still many Congolese people in refugee camps hoping for a brighter future.
With limited medical supplies and educational material, Congolese community Mount Gambier spokesperson Dominique Kasole said they hope the wider community will help to support those still in need.
“Through their singing, the Congolese women hope to raise awareness for those in refugee camps and encourage the wider community to support them by donating books and medicine,” he said.
Contact Dominque on 0411 442 691 or Pastor Claude Kulmushi on 0470 643 683 for more information on donating materials.
