Highland’s Afghan Kites: Celebrating Hope and Cultural Heritage
High Life Highland’s adult learning team recently organized a creative project for Afghan resettler communities in the Highlands of Scotland. This initiative was made possible through funding from the Scottish Refugee Council as part of the Scottish Refugee Festival. The festival’s theme this year was Hope, making it fitting for the Highland event to be named The Afghan Kites of Hope in recognition of Afghanistan’s rich tradition of kite-making, which is unfortunately no longer allowed under Taliban rule.
The aim of The Afghan Kites of Hope was to welcome newly-arrived Afghan families and provide an opportunity for them to celebrate and share their cultural heritage. The event encouraged them to showcase their traditions and skills to the host community while also learning about the local culture. Engaging forcibly displaced communities in activities that are rooted in their cultural heritage has proven to enhance their well-being and facilitate social connections.
By participating in the kite-making workshop and flying demonstration, the Afghan families led the way in sharing their enthusiasm for this beloved tradition. The event was open to the public, resulting in a diverse demographic in attendance. Additionally, Farkhonda Kabiri and Yalda Rasooli, special guests from the Scottish Refugee Council, joined the event and shared their own resettlement experiences, adding to the sense of community and understanding.
For the Afghan families, being able to openly make and fly their kites in their new host country and community is of great importance. It signifies the acknowledgment and preservation of their cultural heritage and traditions. High Life Highland’s adult learning team will continue to support the settlement of Afghan families in Highland communities, with further partnership projects planned in the coming weeks.
Steve Walsh, Chief Executive of High Life Highland, expressed delight in supporting the arrival and settlement of Afghan families through inclusive and culturally rich events like The Afghan Kites of Hope. The collaboration with the Scottish Refugee Council has been instrumental in making these events possible and highlights the importance of inter-organizational support.
By creating an environment that embraces cultural diversity and fosters understanding, the Highland community demonstrates its dedication to promoting integration and cohesion among its residents. The event not only helped the Afghan families build English language skills but also created opportunities for social and cultural assimilation. The successful execution of The Afghan Kites of Hope serves as a shining example of the positive impact that cultural celebrations can have on both the resettler communities and their host community.
As Afghan families continue to settle into the Highlands, High Life Highland’s adult learning team remains committed to providing support and opportunities for them to showcase their traditions and skills. Through inspiring and empowering initiatives, these families are gradually finding their place in their new home, building connections, and contributing to the fabric of Highland society.
In conclusion, The Afghan Kites of Hope highlighted the resilience and cultural richness brought by Afghan resettler communities in the Highlands. By preserving and sharing their cultural heritage, these families are integrating into their new host community and forging pathways for social connections. It is with the support of organizations like the Scottish Refugee Council that events like this can foster a sense of unity, hope, and celebration of diversity in the Highlands.
