All - Leep Calendar

NATIONAL LITERACY AND NUMERACY WEEK: PROMOTING FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS IN AUSTRALIA National Literacy & Numeracy Week is a collaborative effort celebrated annually across Australia. It emphasizes the importance of literacy and numeracy skills in education and daily life. The Australian Government's Department of Education partners with schools, libraries, and educational organizations, inviting everyone to join in and enhance awareness about these foundational skills' significance and encourage their development among students of all ages. Seeking to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes, the week engages students, educators, and communities in various educational activities. The event promotes the importance of these skills in achieving academic success and preparing students for future employment and personal growth. THE WEEK'S EVENTS Key activities during National Literacy & Numeracy Week include: Reading Challenges—Schools and libraries host reading competitions and book fairs to encourage students to read more and develop a love for literature. Math Games and Competitions—Interactive math activities and competitions are organized to make learning numeracy not just a task, but a fun and engaging experience for students. Workshops and Seminars—Educational workshops for teachers and parents on effective strategies to support literacy and numeracy development in children. These workshops provide parents with the tools and knowledge to actively participate in their children's learning journey, reinforcing the importance of literacy and numeracy skills in daily life. Community Events—Local communities participate in events such as literacy walks, storytelling sessions, and numeracy treasure hunts to promote a culture of learning. Online Resources and Activities—A range of digital resources, including educational games, quizzes, and tutorials, support learning at home and in the classroom. WHAT ARE LITERACY AND NUMERACY? Literacy is the ability to read, write, and communicate effectively. It involves understanding, interpreting, and engaging with written texts, enabling individuals to acquire knowledge, express ideas, and participate fully in society. Numeracy, on the other hand, is the ability to understand and work with numbers. It encompasses a range of skills, including basic arithmetic, problem-solving, and the ability to interpret data, which are essential for managing daily tasks and making informed decisions. Literacy and numeracy are not just skills, they are the keys to a brighter future. They are fundamental to learning and are critical for academic achievement and future success. Proficiency in literacy and numeracy enables individuals to access information, think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively. Moreover, strong literacy and numeracy skills are linked to better employment opportunities, higher income levels, and improved overall well-being. National Literacy & Numeracy Week began in 1999, recognizing the need to address educational challenges and enhance Australian students' literacy and numeracy skills. Since its inception, the event has grown in scope and impact, crucial in promoting these essential skills and supporting educational development nationwide.

Africa

Aug

Nuclear Testing, International Day Against (1991): August 29

06:20 AM | -

International Day Against Nuclear Testing is an awareness campaign created by the United Nations under Resolution 64/35 in December 2009. This day calls for awareness and information about the effects of nuclear weapon explosions, the need to stop them, and the goal of a nuclear-free world. Initiated by the nation of Kazakhstan, this date coincides with the closure of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site on August 29, 1991. The 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty created a treaty to end nuclear testing. The treaty has yet to be implemented.

Africa

Aug

Uprising Day, (SK)(1944): August 29

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Uprising Day in Slovakia marks the anniversary of August 29, 1944, when the people rose against the Nazi occupation. Uprising Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Aug

Afghanistan War Ends (AF)(2021): August 30

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At 15:29 Washington DC time and 23:59 August 30, 2021, local time, the final C-17 plane lifted off from Afghanistan, ending nearly 20 years of occupation and war. The 16-days preceding saw over 123,000 civilians, diplomats, allies, and personnel evacuated, the largest extraction mobilization by air in history. The US invaded Afghanistan on October 7, 2001. As of July 2022, the Taliban has regained control of the country and reversed most of the democratic, progressive policies and privileges adopted in the previous twenty years. Women have suffered disproportionately, losing access to work, school, and personal independence. Poverty, starvation, and authoritarian rule have returned and are the norm.

Africa

Aug

Bacon Day, Intl.: August 30

06:20 AM | -

BACON! Bacon, Bacon, Bacon, Bacon, Bacon, Bacon, Bacon, Bacon, Bacon, Bacon, Bacon, Bacon... It's International Bacon Day! What doesn't go great with bacon? Maybe chocolate. We could be wrong. Some people swear by bacon chocolate chip cookies with whisky. Ice cream might be pushing it too, though we have heard of bacon ice cream. However, just about everything else is amazing with bacon! PS: For those on halal, kosher or vegan diets, nobody said your bacon couldn't be turkey, beef or plant based. Also check out the Los Angeles Time's 18 Ways to Enjoy Bacon (including a bacon martini, bacon-bourbon-pumpkin pie and salads): http://www.latimes.com/food/la-dd-recipes-for-bacon-lovers-from-the-la-times-test-kitchen-20140829-photogallery.html.

Africa

Aug

Ducasse d'Ath (BE): August 30-31

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DUCASSE D'ATH—BELGIUM'S WEDDING OF THE GIANTS Nestled in the heart of Ath, Belgium, the Ducasse d'Ath unfolds annually as a captivating tapestry of tradition, folklore, and community spirit embodying mythical and historical figures cherished by the local populace. In addition to parades and plays, several late-night music raves dot the city during the festival. WHAT IS DUCASSE D'ATH? Initially conceived in medieval times, the Ducasse d'Ath pays homage to legendary giants who play pivotal roles in the town's folklore and religious customs. These towering figures, meticulously crafted and animated by dedicated performers, symbolize Ath's enduring cultural heritage. The festival's association with giants stems from Ath's deep-rooted reverence for these monumental characters, each with its narrative and significance. Goliath, his marriage, and his battle with David are central to the pageantry. DAVID AND GOLIATH The biblical tale of David and Goliath, a triumph against all odds, unfolds through the seven towering giants that parade through the streets of Ath. The giant figures are meticulously crafted and imbued with symbolic significance. Each represents characters from local folklore and mythological and historical figures that resonate deeply with the community. Goliath is a towering symbol of strength and challenge, embodying the daunting obstacles communities like Ath have historically faced and overcome. During the festival's processions, the presence of Goliath and other giants invokes a sense of historical continuity and communal identity. The story of David and Goliath serves as a symbolic backdrop, reminding participants and spectators alike of the enduring themes of courage, resilience, and the underdog's triumph. FRENCH REVOLUTION Historically, the French Revolution threatened the survival of the Ducasse d'Ath. Revolutionaries destroyed many of the giants. However, Ath's resilience and commitment to its cultural heritage ensured the festival's continuity, a testament to its enduring nature and cultural significance. UNESCO YES. UNESCO NO. The Ducasse d'Ath's recognition as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage is a testament to its global importance and cultural significance. This status underscores the festival's significance beyond mere spectacle, recognizing its role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. The Ducasse d'Ath is a celebration that beautifully blends solemnity with festivity. It features colorful processions, traditional costumes, and spirited performances that bring the town to life. Locals actively participate in the festivities, reaffirming the festival's role as a communal celebration of identity and heritage. UNESCO rescinded the Intangible Cultural Heritage acknowledgment for the Ducasse d'Ath in Belgium in 2022 due to complaints over one of the main characters, Le Sauvage (The Wild), who wears blackface. The character offended some people despite his representation of Belgium's involvement in colonialism as part of its history and being a tradition for over 300 years. The controversy prompted UNESCO to request the character and his float be removed from the celebration. When the city refused, UNESCO withdrew the designation, reflecting broader debates about the balance between cultural authenticity, historical accuracy and personal feelings in intangible heritage listings. CONCLUSION Today, the Ducasse d'Ath is a testament to Ath's enduring cultural vitality, captivating visitors and locals alike with its timeless charm and vibrant displays. The festival celebrates local traditions and connects them to universal narratives that resonate across cultures. The inclusion of David and Goliath among the giants underscores the festival's crucial role in preserving and reinterpreting heritage, making it relevant and meaningful to contemporary audiences.

Africa

Aug

Frankenstein Day, Ntl. (1797): August 30

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Frankenstein, the story of a mad scientist who brings the dead back to life, only to discover that he has created a monster, continues to be one of our most popular and lasting horror stories. National Frankenstein Day celebrates its author Mary Shelley, born on August 30, 1797. "Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus" was the book's original title, and Shelly was just a teenager when she wrote Frankenstein. As if living a teenage dream, she ran away with the poet Percy Bysshe and gave birth to two children over the first two years. In 1816, the couple traveled to Switzerland and visited Lord Byron at Villa Diodati. While there, 18-year-old Mary started writing Frankenstein. The book was published in 1818 when she was 20 years old.

Africa

Aug

Grief Awareness Day, Ntl.: August 30

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Created in 2014 by Angie Cartwright annually on her mother's birthday, Grief Awareness Day encourages people to become familiar with the stages of grief. These are generally accepted to be four: Denial, Depression, Anger, and Acceptance. Some add a fifth, bargaining, occurs between the first three stages. Grieving takes time and can occur over any loss: loss of a person, a job, a lifestyle, for women--fertility with menopause. Even addicts go through a period of grief when they stop using their drug of choice. Grieving is a natural process everyone experiences. However, each of us grieves differently, and there is no expiration date on grief. It simply takes as long as it takes until finally, it reaches acceptance. Use National Grief Awareness Day to check in on those you know are grieving a loss and learn a little more about the process for yourself.

Africa

Aug

Holistic Pet Day, Ntl.: August 30

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National Holistic Pet Day emphasizes the positive impact holistic and natural treatments can have on promoting the quality and longevity of life for your pets. Lifestyle, diet and environment all contribute the health and welfare of one’s pet. This event was started by Coleen Paige in an effort to promote pet adoption, Ms. Paige has created over 17 pet holidays including this, National Cat Day, International Dog Day, and National Dress Up Your Pet Day.

Africa

Aug

Marshmallow Day, Toasted: August 30

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Toasted Marshmallow Day celebrates the camping-inspired dessert of toasted marshmallows. People can relive their camping experiences on this day by gathering firewood, sticking marshmallows on long sticks (or unwound wire hangers), and toasting over a campfire. Marshmallows get their name from a wetland marsh plant, the mallow plant. Initially, marshmallows were reserved for royalty and the wealthy in ancient Egypt, and today they are made of cornstarch from a process developed in the nineteenth century. Today, marshmallows are one of America's favorite sweets, with over 50% of purchases used over summer devoted to campfire roasts.

Africa

Sep

Owara Kaze No Bon Festival (JP): September 1-3

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JAPAN'S OWARA KAZE NO BON FESTIVAL: A MESMERIZING TRADITION Every year, the picturesque town of Yatsuo in Toyama Prefecture transforms into a captivating scene of traditional dance, music, and lantern-lit streets for the Owara Kaze No Bon Festival. This centuries-old celebration, held near the 1 September, a significant date marking the end of summer and the beginning of the harvest season, draws thousands of visitors eager to witness its unique blend of cultural heritage and ethereal beauty. HISTORY OF OWARA KAZE NO BON The Owara Kaze No Bon Festival, originating in the Edo period (1603-1868), is a testament to the town's dedication to its agricultural roots. It is a celebration dedicated to the wind, believed to bring both blessings and destruction. The festival's primary aim is to pacify these winds, ensuring the protection of the town's crops and a bountiful harvest. This deep connection to the land and its traditions is a key part of the festival's appeal. What sets this festival apart is its hauntingly graceful dance, performed to the melancholy strains of traditional folk songs, often about the beauty of nature and the passage of time, and the plaintive sound of the kokyū, a Japanese fiddle known for its soul-stirring melodies. Unlike many other festivals in Japan, the Owara Kaze No Bon eschews boisterous parades for a more serene and reflective atmosphere. Dancers, clad in elegant yukata (summer kimono) and wearing wide-brimmed hats that obscure their faces, move slowly, deliberately, their silhouettes flickering in the soft glow of paper lanterns. YEARS OF TRAINING The local townspeople perform the dances, with groups divided into young men, young women, and older residents, each bringing a different flavor to the performance. These dancers undergo rigorous training, often starting in childhood, to perfect the intricate choreography and convey the festival's deep emotional resonance. Customs include nightly processions through the narrow, winding streets of Yatsuo, with townspeople and visitors carrying lanterns and chanting traditional songs. Homes and shops boast festive decorations, and the scent of incense wafts through the air, adding to the festival's mystical ambiance. The Owara Kaze No Bon Festival is a living testament to the enduring spirit of Yatsuo's residents and their dedication to preserving their cultural legacy. As the town lights up with the glow of countless lanterns and the gentle rustle of dance, one relives a time when the wind and the seasons dictate the rhythms of life.

Africa

Aug

Santa Rosa de Lima, (PE): August 30

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August 30 is a national holiday in Peru, set aside to celebrate their patron saint, Rose of Lima. Born Isabel Flores De Oliva on April 20, 1586, she devoted her life to the poor and needy and died on August 24, 1617.

Africa

Aug

Victims of Enforced Disappearances, Intl. Day for: August 30

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Enforced disappearance, also referred to as rendition, is a strategy to spread terror within society. The insecurity generated by this practice is not limited to the close relatives of the disappeared but impacts their communities and society. Enforced disappearance is a global problem. Initially associated with military dictatorships, enforced disappearances occur in complex situations of internal conflict as a means of political repression. Of particular concern are: 1) Ongoing harassment of human rights defenders, victims' relatives, witnesses, and legal counsel dealing with cases of enforced disappearance. 2) States use it under the guise of counter-terrorism as an excuse for breaching obligations. On December 21, 2010, by its resolution 65/209, the UN General Assembly expressed deep concern about the increase in disappearances. The resolution focused on "the growing number of reports concerning harassment, ill-treatment, and intimidation of witnesses of disappearances or relatives of persons who have disappeared." The United Nations declared August 30 the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances beginning in 2011.

Africa

Aug

Victory Day, (TR)(1922): August 30

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Victory Day in Turkey marks the anniversary of August 30, 1922, when the nation achieved its independence; Victory Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Aug

Whale Shark Day, Intl.: August 30

06:20 AM | -

Whale sharks are the most prominent member of the shark family, growing to over 46 feet in length (14m+), which is why they are called whales. These gentle giants have tiny teeth, smaller than most people! They're not meat eaters; they eat plankton and tend to live in shallow water, not deep. Currently, the whale shark is under threat. Its fins and meat are delicacies in Asia, and a lack of regional enforcement of laws designed to protect them further endangers them. International Whale Shark Day seeks to raise awareness about the plight of these graceful and friendly creatures and increase the number of laws and bodies enforcing those laws internationally to protect them. International Whale Shark Day first ran in 2012.

Africa