A piece of rock. A brush stroke on it. Although it may look ordinary, for a new child it can become a piece of memory to remember his country. For a parent, it can be a beautiful means of showcasing his culture in a new country. With such a thought, an exceptional ‘rock painting’ program has been organized for new families living in Newfoundland and Labrador.
This creative event will be held at the organizers’ office from 11 am to 12 noon on Friday, July 24. The participating families will draw pictures of their choice on smooth rocks with paint and brushes. Some may draw the flag of their country, some the national flower, some will draw a childhood village or a scene of nature. Each picture will be a personal story, an identity of a culture.
According to the organizers, many families initially face loneliness, language barriers, and social isolation when they arrive in a new country. Such events not only help children develop their creativity, but also play an important role in building identity, friendship, and mutual understanding between people from different countries.
Let’s say the Rahman family arrived in St. John’s from Bangladesh a few months ago. Eight-year-old Ayesha has yet to make many friends at her new school. In the rock painting program, she draws the national flower of Bangladesh, the lotus, on a rock, and a red maple leaf next to it. After finishing the picture, she tells the other children the story of her drawing. On the other hand, her mother draws the green fields and rivers of the village on another rock.
Soon, other families in the neighborhood also start telling their stories. Some come from Ukraine, some from Syria, some from the Philippines, and some from Nigeria. Although the languages are different, the language of colors becomes one for everyone. At the end of this one-hour event, they not only return home with colorful rocks, but also take with them new identities, new friendships, and a sense of being part of a new community.
According to the organizers, such small initiatives strengthen multicultural societies. Because, the most beautiful way to know each other’s cultures is to share stories, and art is one of the easiest ways to tell those stories.
Advance registration is required to participate in the event. All types of paints, brushes and necessary materials will be provided by the organizers. As the number of seats is limited, interested parties are urged to register quickly.
Registration link: https://forms.gle/LVEQUozxsy7gx7X2A