In 2023, the program will reach the most students than ever before with a record number of schools taking part. Image: Angus Northeast.

POWER Community Limited’s (PCL) newly named Multicultural Power Cup (formerly the Power Intercultural Program Carnival) has changed thousands of young lives over the years, but in 2023 the program will reach the most students than ever before with a record number of schools taking part.

The Multicultural Power Cup is designed to celebrate vibrancy of cultural diversity and expression, promote inclusion, and build social cohesion by recognising the positive contribution of different cultures within Australia, and is delivered in conjunction with Port Adelaide current and past players.

Delivered to secondary school students from culturally diverse backgrounds across the state, the centrepiece of the program is a football carnival which provides a platform to build memories and foster friendships. At the carnival, students also participate in an interactive careers exhibition to promote meaningful career pathways.

More than 370 South Australian students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds were engaged through this program in 2022. Image: Angus Northeast.

The conclusion of the program sees students compete in their football grand final on Adelaide Oval as a curtain raiser to a Port Adelaide home game, in addition to conducting the coin toss and participating in the guard and lap of honour.

Paiwast Ahmed, teacher at Australian Islamic College, credited the program for the opportunities it creates and its ability to foster intercultural appreciation. 

“The program is fantastic as it fosters intercultural appreciation and respect through flexible and enjoyable assessment tasks and Aussie Rules Football. The students are able to learn about cultural diversity and history while being creative and active”, Mr. Ahmed said.

“There are opportunities to teach one another about culture through dance, games, food, and the creation of dictionaries. They are able to express their creativity through podcast, guernsey design, and Harmony Day assessments.

“The icing on the cake is the carnival which allows students to build incredible memories and life-long friendships. The students love the program and are very proud of the work they accomplish and grateful for the amazing opportunities they are provided with."

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2022 Power Intercultural Program Carnival wrap up | PTV

Almost 400 students from diverse backgrounds came together as part of our 2022 Power Intercultural Program Carnival to celebrate the vibrancy of our community through footy.

Students Sarah Alzobeidy, Mariam Alzobeidy, Farah Alhajomar from Pinnacle College have reflected on their participation in the program during Harmony Week and said the Multicultural Power Cup taught them the importance of their identity.

“The program was a significant event that we will never forget. We discovered how important our identity is while also learning about the culture of the aboriginal people and custodians of the land we are grateful to be on” they said.

“We joined as one through the sport of AFL and made incredible friends and bonds that we will remember for the rest of our lives.

“We met some of our favourite players and had educational and useful conversations about success in the AFL community.

“Overall, this program was an excellent way to connect the community and bring people of various religions, ethnicities, and cultures together.

A football carnival is the centrepiece of the program, engaging secondary school students from culturally diverse backgrounds across the state. Image: Angus Northeast.

“The past couple of years of attending this program left us with memories that we will never forget.

“We are grateful for the Power Community team for this opportunity to learn, connect, and communicate, and we hope to see them again soon.”

Harmony Week continues until Sunday, March 26. You can find out more about how you can participate here.