Munich, Saturday 1 October 2016
Saturday 1 October 2016, saw the first ever WoChiPoDa (Welt-Kinder-Gedichte-Tag) celebrations in Germany. The event, which took place at EineWeltHaus in Munich, was organised by Diana Mac Omolo through the guidance of the WoChiPoDa founder Gloria D. Gonsalves under the theme “Free Your Creativity!”.
The day’s programme aimed at bringing fun and play in creating poetry through language, rhymes, rhythm, sounds, beats and costume. Participating children were encouraged to free their creativity through poetry and drumming sessions. The presence of a creative corner added fun with drawing, colouring and storytelling.
The little ones who eagerly participated in the activities of the day showed off their creativity and love for the arts through individual poems, language exchange, painting and music. Each child was opportune to present a message, praise or song for their parent or guardian or just present a poem they wrote themselves or brought with them.
“Poems are fun,” said 8 years old Sharifa Aschoff, laughing after her presentation.
Laticia Kolbow, 8 years, expressed her love for poetry in German. “Gedichte sind toll,” she said.
“Gedichte macht Kinder kreativ,” said Lavinia Jolie Rath, 10 years.
For Tumaini Triebel, aged 8, poems are more than just fun. “Gedichte sind interessant. Poems are interesting,” he said.
The event was both creative and fun for the children as well as the parents who participated throughout by also joining in the recitations, singing and drumming.
“I would love to take part in this event every year because even as a parent I enjoyed myself very much,” said Halima Triebel a parent and one of the organisers.
We are grateful to the parents and organisers who gave their time and energy to make the event a success, especially Clare Ashiruka and Sarah Kim. Finally, our special thank you to the little ones, our greatest assets, who made the event truly memorable.
Story: Diana Mac Omolo, author of ‘Love Comes to Munich’
Photos: Sarah Bomkapre Kamara, Editor-in-Chief for Sonne Magazine
Hats off to the organizers and the children that took part in this event. Every long journey starts with a first step. Children keeping on writing and being creative.
Thank you so much for the compliments. Children are indeed very creative and ambitious. We owe them support and encouragement