“When all of us, and not only a few of us, have more opportunities at school, at work and in our communities, then we’ll truly have reasons to celebrate."

Today the school was alive with a touch of orange as the students arrived to celebrate Harmony Day. Harmony Day is an Australian Government initiative created on the UN's International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and is aimed at celebrating our cultural diversity. The theme of Harmony Day is 'Everyone Belongs', which relates beautifully to another UN endorsed day on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day.

The theme for World Down Syndrome Day 2019 is 'Leave no one behind'.The UN reminds us all that people with Down syndrome must have opportunities to live fulfilling lives, included on a full and equal basis with others, in all aspects of society. The 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development, a global plan of action for people, planet and prosperity, pledges that “no one will be left behind”.

It is wonderful that we are able to celebrate each others culture through Harmony Day, it is encouraging that we are able to promote awareness for our treatment of one another; but what would the world look like if we included all people to ensure that no one was left behind?

We would encourage you to watch the video for World Down Syndrome Day and consider how you in your home, your workplace and our community can ensure everyone is included.