TDCALA celebrating diversity

By Cole Parkinson
Taber Times
cparkinson@tabertimes.com

Celebrating multiculturalism will be all the rage next Tuesday as Taber and District Community Adult Learning Association celebrates diversity in the area.

On March 19, TDCALA will be hosting the second annual event at the Taber Community Centre with entertainment starting at 5:30-6:30 p.m., dinner from 6-7 p.m. and the visit booth and door prizes from 7- 8 p.m. Before that goes down though, there is an exciting opportunity in the morning starting at 9:30 a.m. for professional development.

“In the morning, we are doing professional development for anybody with businesses looking (to meet) newcomers,” explained Jane Brenner, executive director of TDCALA.

Brenner also said the morning portion will be a time where newcomers can share stories and get to know some of the agents in the community while potential employers can meet some of the new people to the area.

During the morning, identifying learning needs and intercultural competencies will be examined.

Once guests head to the community centre, they will be able to take in entertainment from different parts of the world.

Entertainers include a Lion dance and lettuce blessing performed by Lethbridge Hung Sing Koon Sung Fu Academy, a musical act performed by Taber Mennonite School students, a musical act performed by Romeo Rosalie and Leslie Abad and more.

Dinner will be served by a wide variety of vendors from across the region including Mexican Food, Asian cuisine and plenty others.

Door prizes will also be available to those in attendance while they learn about the different cultures.

“Everyone will leave with a full stomach and maybe even a door prize but they will definitely feel more informed of the community. They’ll come out with a greater knowledge too,” added Brenner.

A number of different community agents and potential employers will also be at the event to welcome newcomers and introduce their services to the community.

Kids will also be able to enjoy a play zone that will be set up at the facility.

“We are becoming more multicultural, whether we like it or not. We need to embrace it and support them and the event at night,” continued Brenner.

The Newcomers Multicultural Awareness Day goes on March 19 at the Taber Community Hall at 5 p.m.