Hey there, parents! Are you ready to embark on a fun-filled journey celebrating Singapore’s rich cultural tapestry? This July, the National Heritage Board (NHB) is bringing the Racial Harmony Day festivities right to your neighbourhood!
Let’s dive into the exciting activities awaiting you and your little ones at Our Tampines Hub on July 13th and 14th, 2024.
A Multicultural Extravaganza for All Ages
For the first time ever, NHB’s Heritage Institutions are teaming up to create an unforgettable Racial Harmony Day experience. The Indian Heritage Centre, Malay Heritage Centre, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, and the Eurasian Association have joined forces to bring you a weekend packed with cultural delights.
1. Peek Behind the Museum Curtain
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a museum? Now’s your chance to find out! The Human Library: Meet a Museum Minion event lets you and your kids chat with real museum professionals. From curators to conservators, these “museum minions” will share fascinating insights into their roles in preserving Singapore’s cultural heritage.
2. Explore Neighborhood Nostalgia
Take a stroll down memory lane with the Our Common Ground: A Neighbourhood Adventure Display. This exhibit showcases how local shops have become melting pots of culture, bringing people from all walks of life together. It’s a great way to teach your kids about Singapore’s evolving social landscape.
3. Groove to Multicultural Beats
Don’t miss the Let’s Embrace – Celebrating Harmony 2024 concert on July 13th! Hosted by popular Mediacorp DJs, this free event features performances by local artists Taufik Batisah and Suthasini, alongside Mediacorp stars Elvin Ng and Daryl Ann. Get ready to dance to a mix of music, dance, and martial arts showcasing Singapore’s diverse ethnic groups.
Racial Harmony Day Through Storytelling
4. English Tales of Heritage
On both days, head to the Tampines Regional Library for English storytelling sessions. Your 4-8 year olds will love “The Brilliant Oil Lamp” and “The Marvellous Sugee Cake,” stories that bring Singapore’s heritage to life in a fun, engaging way.
5. Mandarin Adventures
For a bilingual experience, join the Mandarin storytelling session “A Day in the Kampung.” This paper-folding story will transport your kids back to the simple joys of kampung life, perfect for little ones aged 4-8.
6. Malay Folklore Fun
Discover the heartwarming tale of “Balas Budi Si Gadis Bangau” in both Malay and English. This story of kindness and magical transformation is sure to captivate your young audience.
7. Tamil Rhythms and Rhymes
Don’t miss “The Boy Who Wanted a Drum,” a touching story told in Tamil and English about a kind-hearted boy whose good deeds lead to an unexpected reward.
Hands-On Racial Harmony Day Activities
8. Cook Up Some Cultural Delights
Calling all foodie families! The Multicultural Cooking Workshop is your chance to explore Singapore’s diverse cuisines. Learn to make delicious dishes from Indian, Malay, Chinese, and Eurasian traditions. It’s a tasty way to celebrate Racial Harmony Day while picking up some new recipes.
9. Paint the Town with Harmony
Get creative with Project Embrace V2! This community mural painting activity invites you and your kids to express Singapore’s multicultural spirit through art. The best part? Your masterpieces will be used to beautify MRT pillars, leaving a lasting mark on your community.
10. Step Back in Time
Join student guides from Junyuan and Ngee Ann Secondary Schools for a tour of the Tampines Heritage Trail. It’s a fantastic opportunity for your family to discover the rich history and diverse culture of Tampines through the eyes of young locals.
Exciting Programmes to Enjoy at Our Tampines Hub
Our Common Ground: A Neighbourhood Adventure Display
- Date: 13 & 14 July 2024
- Time: 11am – 7pm
- Venue: Festive Walk
- Admission: Free
- Highlights: Discover the rich cultural heritage of neighbourhood shops and enjoy interactive displays showcasing culinary heritage, traditional sports, and more.
The Human Library: Meet a Museum Minion
- Date: 13 & 14 July 2024
- Time: 1 – 2pm, 3 – 4pm
- Venue: Festive Walk
- Admission: Free
- Highlights: Engage with museum curators, programmers, and conservators as they share behind-the-scenes stories and answer your questions.
Let’s Embrace – Celebrating Harmony 2024
- Date: 13 July 2024
- Time: 5 – 6pm
- Venue: Town Square
- Admission: Free
- Highlights: Enjoy a cultural concert hosted by Mediacorp radio DJs with performances by local artists and ethnic cultural groups.
Guided Tours & Trails: Tampines Heritage Trail
- Date: 13 & 14 July 2024
- Time: 10am (English)
- Venue: In front of McDonald’s
- Admission: Free
- Highlights: Explore the history and culture of Tampines through guided tours by passionate students from local secondary schools.
Storytelling at NLB – English Session
- Date: 13 & 14 July 2024
- Time: 11am (Sat), 2pm (Sun)
- Venue: Tampines Regional Library
- Admission: Free with on-site registration (limited spaces)
- Highlights: Enjoy engaging storytelling sessions for children aged 4 – 8, featuring beloved characters from the Heritage Picture Book Series.
Multicultural Cooking Workshop
- Date: 13 & 14 July 2024
- Time: 10am – 12pm & 2pm – 4pm
- Venue: Level 3 Wellness Centre
- Admission: Free admission, pre-registration required
- Highlights: Learn to cook delectable dishes from various cultures and discover the stories behind each culinary delight.
Project Embrace V2! A Community Mural Painting Activity
- Date: 13 & 14 July 2024
- Time: 11am – 1pm, 4pm – 6pm
- Venue: Festive Walk
- Admission: Registration required
- Highlights: Participate in a collaborative art project to create murals on reused construction hoarding steel panels.
Exhibitions: The Good Hood: Where Values Come Home Travelling Exhibition
- Date: 13 & 14 July 2024
- Time: 11am – 7pm
- Venue: Festive Walk
- Admission: Free
- Highlights: Explore the values that shape Singaporean society through interactive exhibits highlighting loyalty, filial piety, and perseverance.
Free Activities: Drop-in Craft Activities
- Date: 13 & 14 July 2024
- Time: 1pm – 4pm
- Venue: Gate 7 & Gate 8
- Admission: Free
- Highlights: Unleash your creativity with fun craft activities like making Jellyfish Egg Crate, Ethnic Fan, Stress Ball, and Ethnic Tiles.
Storytelling at NLB – Multilingual Sessions
- Dates and Times:
- Mandarin Session: 13 & 14 July 2024, 2pm (Sat), 4pm (Sun)
- Malay Session: 13 & 14 July 2024, 3pm
- Tamil Session: 13 & 14 July 2024, 4pm (Sat), 11am (Sun)
- Venue: Tampines Regional Library
- Admission: Free with on-site registration (limited spaces)
- Highlights: Enjoy captivating stories in Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil, suitable for children aged 4 – 8 years old
Embrace the Spirit of Racial Harmony Day
As Cheryl Koh, Director of Heritage Institutions at NHB, reminds us, “Racial harmony is at the heart of what it means to be Singaporean.” This Racial Harmony Day, take the opportunity to deepen your family’s appreciation for Singapore’s cultural diversity.
From storytelling sessions in multiple languages to hands-on workshops and vibrant performances, there’s something for everyone at Let’s Embrace – Celebrating Harmony. Most activities are free, with some requiring pre-registration.
So, mark your calendars for July 13th and 14th, and head down to Our Tampines Hub for a weekend of cultural exploration and family fun. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Racial Harmony Day and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Don’t forget to check out the Let’s Embrace – Celebrating Harmony Facebook page for the latest updates and registration details.
Let’s come together and celebrate the beautiful tapestry that makes Singapore unique!
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