The One World Centre Isle of Man is inviting Tynwald Day visitors to come and experience an international dimension at this year’s national celebrations with its Global Village event in the grounds of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture Headquarters at St Johns.
The Global Village will include a variety of entertainment, activities and stalls drawn from the Island’s diverse population as well as Manx charities that work overseas. Amongst the highlights will be a didgeridoo performance, Bulgarian folk dancing, Filipino food, gold-panning, face-painting and demonstrations of a solar-powered cooker.
Several local charities will be represented including Send A Cow, the Manx Malawi Project, The Pahar Trust and Amnesty International. The Manx Co-operative will also be attending and handing out information about Fairtrade. Sixth form students who took part in the One World Charity Challenge earlier in the year will be running a range of fun activities and there will also be information about the Point1 and Enough Food If campaigns to increase overseas aid and end world hunger.
The One World Centre exists to raise awareness of global issues such as poverty, injustice and sustainability. It aims to encourage an appreciation of how people around the world are interconnected and interdependent on each other – and the importance of respect and understanding of all cultures.
Rosemary Clarke, director of the One World Centre, says, “The Global Village is a celebration of the diversity of people living on the Isle of Man as well an opportunity for people to learn about global issues that affect us all. There will be lots of interesting things to do and we are fortunate to have the glorious setting of Garey Ny Cloie gardens to enjoy as well. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Village.”
The event takes place after the formal Tynwald ceremony and runs from 12 noon to 5pm. It is free of charge. Garey Ny Cloie is accessed from Foxdale Road and is opposite the Isle of Man Sawmills. The event will be signposted from the Tynwald Fairfield.
For more information – and for any other groups wishing to participate in the Global Village – please call the One World Centre on 800464 or email info@owciom.org.
