The Inaugural World Arabic Language Day in SA, 2021

World Arabic Language Day in SA, Event Poster

On December 11, 2021, ALCASA celebrated the World Arabic Language Day in SA, at the beautiful and significant venue, the History Trust of SA, Migration Museum. More than 80 people attended this event while adhering to the safety measures in place with the restrictions on public gatherings due to the Covid 19 pandemic. The event included a pop-up exhibition, “Objects Tell Our Stories” to showcase heartfelt memories and treasured everyday objects held by Arabic-speaking South Australians reminding them of their home countries. It was empowering to be joined by the Honourable Jing Lee, MLC (South Australia), Assistant Minister to the Premier for Multicultural Affairs, the Honourable Zoe Bettison MP Shadow Minister of Multicultural Affairs and Mr Hussain Razaiat, member of SA Multicultural Commission.

The Director of the History Trust of SA Migration Museum, Mandy Paul, and the Hourable Jing Lee, Mc opened the event welcoming the official and community guests. The ALCASA welcome was presented by Hassan Mekawy, ALCASA Secretary, and by Fayrouz Ajaka, ALCASA Chairperson, who presented the the Acknowledgment of Country in Arabic . This was followed by a brief speech by the Honourable Zoe Bettison, MP, who congratualated the community for this inaugural celebration of the World Language Day in South Australia. Dr Nadia Selim presented briefly on the History of the Arabic language in Australia. The official opening was followed by a break to allow visiting the higly appreciated exhibition by the the community and to enjoy yummy Arabic street food on sale during the event by the SA catering business Melh Wa Sekkar.

After the break, the audience was treated to the premiere of “The lockdown diary“, a short movie written by the 13 years old Yafa ElKhalidi and and produced by Yadura Design Studio. This delightful movie screening was followed by a community celebration with traditional coommunity dances and live music by the world-renowned musician and violinist Aboud Abaza.

Overall this was a highly appreciated event that allowed the community to get together in safe conditions during the Covid19 pandemic. ALCASA received very encouraging feedback including suggestions to hold similar exhibitions for a longer time in the future.

The exhbition was curated and produced by the History Trust of SA Migration Museum. The celebration event was supported by SA Multicultural Affairs, the Department of Premier and Cabinet

Photos by Razan Fahouri Photography

Check here to see more photos from the event.