We are One - Family celebration

“We are One” – A Family Festival for Diversity, Solidarity & Humanity

In a time when the world is marked by crises, conflicts, and increasing inequality, the non-governmental organization “Future for Tshumbe” is making a powerful statement: With the first “We are One” family festival, it invites everyone to the Old Tannery in St. Johann in Tirol on August 9, 2025, from 2 PM to 8 PM – for a day full of togetherness, creativity, and lived solidarity. The charity event is aimed at children, young people, families, and anyone who is eager for encounters and new perspectives. Admission is free, and voluntary donations are warmly welcomed. Visitors can look forward to a colorful program – from captivating live music and Afro Dance shows and workshops to creative experience stations, readings, a vibrant children’s program, and a raffle for a good cause.

The “We are One” festival is much more than a classic family festival: It is an intercultural, inclusive, and education-oriented event that consciously breaks stereotypes. “We want to show that diversity is our greatest social strength. Change towards a more just world begins in small ways, in local togetherness. The festival is an invitation to experience Africa in all its beauty and cultural depth – without clichés, but with open hearts and curious senses. For this, we have designed a very special program for children and adults,” emphasizes Manuela-Erber Telemaque, chairwoman of “Future for Tshumbe.”

Movement, Beats, and Encounters
Visitors of the family festival can look forward to a special musical highlight: The Indonesian-German singer-songwriter Tóke, who has already collaborated with reggae star Gentleman, captivates with a charismatic presence and an authentic sound that combines reggae, soul, hip-hop, and afrobeats. Many of his lyrics address social injustices such as racism, discrimination, and inequality. “Tóke shares our conviction that differences enrich, and he advocates for a peaceful, respectful coexistence, thus conveying the message of our festival in a musical way,” explains the initiator of the NGO.

In addition, an Afro Dance show and workshops will provide contagious energy. The Tanzanian professional dancers Atif, Eyes, and Roller showcase their own Afro style – a dynamic mix of traditional African dances, hip-hop, and breakdance. In collaboration with the renowned DANCE ALPS FESTIVAL in St. Johann, they will not only teach dance techniques to children and adults at the family festival, but also pure joy for life and cultural connectedness.

Creativity as a Bridge to Understanding
Manuela, mother of a 3-year-old daughter, describes the event concept: “Our festival will be organized with a critical stance against racism. This means we want to actively counter racism and create spaces where people can meet, learn from each other, and celebrate together – regardless of origin, skin color, or life story. Especially children and young people should experience how enriching diversity and solidarity are. With a thematically appropriate children's program, we aim to convey these values,” explains Manuela-Erber Telemaque. 

For instance, readings for different age groups will be held based on books from the renowned Zuckersüß publishing house, which has donated books for the event, conveying important values such as tolerance and connectedness. The messages of the festival will also be made tangible through creative forms of expression. In collaboration with the creative workshop Merlonic, a participatory overall artwork symbolizing diversity and solidarity will be created during the afternoon. Visitors of all ages are invited to participate actively. Additionally, various creative and play stations, as well as face painting, will provide a colorful participation offer that gives children space to try, create, and linger – entirely in the spirit of the festival: playful, inclusive, and communal.

Moreover, visitors can expect a diverse culinary offering, including specialties from the food truck of Rollin Art founder Tina Hötzendorfer. A bazaar will also give guests the opportunity to purchase handcrafted products from the D.R. Congo. At a raffle, many companies from the region have donated attractive prizes for families, and tickets can be purchased for a good cause.

Celebrating Together for Tshumbe – Help that Reaches
The organization “Future for Tshumbe” has been committed to education, health, and women’s empowerment in the Congolese region of Tshumbe for years. Therefore, a charitable mission is at the center of the festival: All proceeds and donations will go directly to the sustainable projects of the NGO – mainly towards the construction of a much-needed hospital in Tshumbe. “Every donation, every contribution counts. With this festival, we not only want to celebrate but also help concretely – and show how global responsibility can be lived locally,” says Manuela-Erber Telemaque. “As a non-profit organization, we rely on support from the region. I am all the more grateful for everyone who makes this festival possible - whether through volunteer engagement or through material and financial contributions. My special thanks go to the company EGGER, the pharmacy am Weg, the printing house Staffner, Huber Bräu, and TROP, who support us in realizing the festival,” says Manuela Erber-Telemaque. “Anyone who also wants to set a sign for solidarity and lived diversity – whether through sponsorship or a donation for our raffle – is warmly invited to contact us,” says the young Tyrolean.