On the 21st March I opened an International Conference held by the Soroptimists. The word soroptimist is coined from 2 Latin roots ‘Soro’ meaning Sister and Optima- meaning Best, highest good. Literally translated Soroptimist means – “That which is best for women.” Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement working together to transform the lives of women and girls. Advocacy Awareness Action has been a catch phrase of past conferences. They are always looking for new members so ladies, if you think this is something you may be interested in joining go to their website for details on how to join. 21st March also saw our city’s iconic event, The Festival of Cultures swing into action. I have been involved in the opening ceremony of this very special event for a number of years now. We have at least 29 different ethnicities now living in Palmerston North. The Festival of Culture brings them together under an umbrella of Unity and Harmony - something we have work very hard to achieve and we are proud of our success. Thousands of people descend on Palmerston North during the week which culminates in the square on the Saturday to feast on a variety of different foods and enjoy Multi-Cultural entertainment and stalls. This year we had diplomats from 12 different countries attend the Opening Ceremony. UCOL held their annual Graduation Ceremonies on the 24th and 25th March. This is a great time for celebration in the city. It is my task to round up the graduates and academic staff into some semblance of order and to lead their parade around to the UCOL atrium.
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Latest NewsAuthorCaroline Robinson is the Palmerston North Town Crier. Archives
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