River Nile School to host inaugural Harmony Block Party

The River Nile School (RNS) will host its first-ever Harmony Block Party on April 3 from 2pm to 6pm, a festive celebration of Harmony Day that aims to unite the community and showcase the incredible talents and resilience of refugee and asylum seeker youth.

Taking place in the school’s parking lot in North Melbourne, the event will offer a vibrant mix of performances, art, food, and community activities.

“The school has historically done something internal for Harmony Day, but we wanted to do something bigger to celebrate Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Week,” engagement coordinator at RNS Francine Sculli told North West City News. 

The Harmony Block Party will feature a variety of performances including from students at RNS, as well as young people from refugee backgrounds who will have the opportunity to showcase their talents.

“We’re also encouraging other young people from refugee backgrounds to perform and be paid if they’ve got a talent they want to share,” Ms Sculli said. 

“We’re that space for them to own it and express themselves.”

Food will also play a central role in the celebration, with delicious dishes from refugee-owned businesses.

“We have the amazing Hamida making Somali treats, and Ahia, a graduate of the Free to Feed program, will be bringing her Palestinian food truck,” Ms Sculli shared. 

“It’s a great opportunity to support these incredible food entrepreneurs.”

Community organisations will also be on hand to run activities, including a basketball competition organised by Foundation House, and art therapy sessions.

“We’ve got The Huddle coming down, Foundation House running a basketball comp, and an art therapist doing some amazing activities,” she said. 

“We’ve also got 3CR Community Radio coming to do some interviews and connect with people. It’s going to be a fun and energetic day.”

The event is free to attend (with your wallet only needed to enjoy the delicious global flavours on offer) and stands as a testament to the school’s strong commitment to cultural diversity and inclusivity.

Ms Sculli encourages the community to join in the celebration and contribute in any way they can, whether by donating time to help set up or providing resources like decorations. 

We want to create a space where these young people feel seen and heard, and I think the community coming out and showing allyship will be really powerful

“The sense of community in this school is just something I haven’t experienced in any school before. The way that the girls wrap around newcomers, and that cultural awareness, protection, sense of safety, and belonging – it’s something so special that I haven’t felt anywhere else.” •