A Burnaby-based women's group is planning a Sudanese Culture Day for Saturday, Aug. 30.
Lubna Abdelrahman created the Bitmakaly Women's Empowerment Organization a couple of years ago and recently decided to organize an event that would bring the Canadian and Sudanese cultures together.
"There are around 3,000 expats living in Burnaby, but roughly 100 feel like they're a part of the community," she said. "Most of them don't participate in events because they feel left behind."
According to this mother-of-three, the morale of the Sudanese people has been deteriorating given the unrest in Sudan over the years. The conflict, which has killed and displaced millions of civilians, is rooted in civil wars that date back to 1955.
"We can’t let it affect our lives here. When this happens, our kids turn to drugs. They may decide to drop out of school," she said. "They need to be proud of where they came. To do that, we have to empower them with events like this one."
Abdelrahman added it's important those of non-Sudanese decent attend as well.
"I've had many people come to my house. They love our food and our culture," she said. "Canadians are always willing to learn something new."
The Sudanese ambassador to Canada will be in attendance. Highlights include henna, food, music, kids activities and a movie. The culture day, which is being hosted at the Alan Emmott Centre on Southoaks Crescent, is being divided into two parts. The first half runs between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and admission is free. The second half runs between 6 and 11:30 p.m and the organization will be charging $10 at the door. All proceeds will go to a Sudanese family affected by the flood in Sudan earlier this month.
