Welfare event centres on cultural exchange
There was a lively discussion on the various cultures and their practises in the community.
KINGSBURH Welfare Organisation for the Aged held a get together to celebrate Heritage Day a day early on Tuesday, 23 September.
The gathering had a lively discussion on the various cultures and their practises in the community.
“The programme centred on the sharing of different cultural practises with regards to social problems such as divorce, single parenthood, gender differences, birth and death, marriage outside religious beliefs, adultery, alcohol and drug abuse,” said senior social worker, Sandra Govender.
She said the Constitution recognises the cultural and religious diversity of society. “We enjoy freedom of religion, belief, and an opinion which means we are free to follow the dictates of our conscience. Those who practise their religion or observe their cultural rituals must do so with due regard for others. To do so, they must learn about and understand the significance of the religious and cultural lives of their neighbours, for cultural diversity is best practised in an environment where there is tolerance and mutual respect.”
The cultural diversity programme also aimed to create awareness and understanding of different cultural backgrounds; religious practises; different perceptions on issues such as politeness, social correctness, generosity and time; languages; dietary laws, dress codes and cultural taboos.
The group also talked about cultural differences being stereotyped. “Sometimes culture can lead to misunderstanding, hearing about different cultures avoids misunderstanding.”
