BRIDGE BUILDERS
Projects - Know your Culture - Understand Others

Season by season, young members of Bridge Builders stage public events to celebrate the feast-days and festivals observed by the diverse communities of Newham.

The aim is to reinforce the knowledge and understanding of youngsters about their own cultures and to promote an understanding of the cultures of others – be they Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim or Sikh and of whatever denomination.

Held in churches, temples, mosques and halls, these 90-minute events are open to all-comers – believers and non believers alike and from whatever ethnic or cultural background. Members of the host community are especially encouraged to participate.

Youngsters deliver a medley of music, dance, recitations and personal anecdote. Afterwards, performers and audience mingle and talk. For many it may be the first time inside a mosque, church or temple. Friendships are struck, alliances formed, debates sparked, understanding and cohesion fostered.

As well as youngsters, the events are attended by community and faith leaders, MPs and local politicians and senior officers of emergency services.

BBIU has staged events such as THE REAL MEANING OF CHRISTMAS, THE REAL MEANING OF DIWALI and THE REAL MEANING OF VAISAKHI to great effect.  Further events are planned to mark Easter, Eid, Passover and Vesakh.  Of great interest to Muslims and non-Muslims alike will be a planned event called THE REAL MEANING OF JIHAD.  

Bridge Builders are always looking for performers, singers, musicians and dancers for these shows – not to mention script writers and producers. If you’d like to join in whatever capacity please contact:

Gowri Pillai – gowri@bridge-unity.org

Everybody is very, very welcome.