How To Organize Cultural Day In Nigerian Schools

Cultural Day is a special day, set aside for the celebration of our rich and diverse cultures.

It is usually marked in schools as part of their termly events.

If well planned, the cultural day will be an unforgettable experience in the lives of the students and attending guests.

Before Cultural Day can be organized, the school’s academic calendar needs to be thoroughly checked, to ensure it doesn’t affect significant academic activities.

A specific day not less than 2 weeks (2 or more weeks) to the event is set, and a fee for each student is decided upon.

The Cultural Day fee should cover the expenses of the event, which includes Power supply, decorations, lights, seats, and refreshments.

Then a circular, notifying parents and guardians of the date and fee should be sent the same day, so they can plan ahead and bear the event in mind. To be included in the circular is the deadline for payment of fees, as well as some fancy inclusions to serve as sales pitch.

The Cultural Day will cost significant money to be fully celebrated but, be that as it may, not all parents will pay: some parents would prefer their children at home doing something else. Care should always be taken to avoid using school money to fund cultural day, unless it had been included in school bill, from where it would be deducted.

In any case, the amount of money raised will determine the quality of the cultural day.

Tips To Consider When Organizing Cultural Day

Begin rehearsals early: Parents and guests are coming to be well entertained. Hence, To ensure the presentations are perfected, earmark a period in the school timetable specially for rehearsals. The rehearsals should be done regularly and with utmost discipline to bring about quality.
Group students according to tribes: Get a notebook, and arrange students according to their tribes. igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa, are the major tribes usually presented by schools, due to their predominance. All other tribes can be grouped under them, based on discretion.
Enlist other activities: Drama, Club Presentation, Choreography, Talk Shows, and so on can be added to liven up the event. However, ensure they are short and precise to avoid time wastage.
Remind students everyday: Remind the students of the cultural day, so they can do so to their parents. Children have a way of influencing their parents and changing their minds.
Get a good photographer: Pictures are souvenirs of good memories. A skilled photographer can help bring those nice cultural moments to life.
Hire a good DJ/MC: The DJ (Disc Jockey) is responsible for music and sounds, while the MC (Master of Ceremonies) keeps the event moving, introduces performers, and provides general entertainment.
Encourage parents to bring native food: Cultural day is all about the showcase of nativity. By showcasing native food, others will get to be more informed about the style of eating among the various tribes.
Invite parents for VIP sponsorships: Wealthy parents can act as sponsors of the event. A special letter can be sent to them, requesting their sponsorship, and hence, a spot on the high table.
Beware of overspending: Money spent should be money derived from fee or sponsorship. Avoid using school money to fund the event to avoid loss.
Plan for after: Even though much is being committed to the event, always have plans for the aftermath. Funds can also be raised through miscellaneous means; by encouraging parents to spray money, or introducing “school fund support” as the last item of the event..