“It began as a centre for the teaching of English as a foreign language to children of ethnic minorities in South Glamorgan, and was the brainchild of Ravi Mooneeram. The original purpose of the centre was to provide a venue for children who had initially been placed in schools throughout the county to attend to learn and improve their English for the aim of integration into mainstream education.  

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It was quickly recognised that many of the parents of the children were also experiencing difficulties with language. Therefore, the doors were opened for adults to attend during the day or evenings to fit in with their working lives. The parade provided support assistance and education to the displaced people,

Various communities held various other events there throughout its more than 25 years in existence. Somewhere in the region of 4000 people a month would use the building from different communities, eg from the Greek, Italian, Yemeni, Somali, Afro Caribbean, Spanish, Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, Ismaili, Iranian and Iraqi communities.

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People were at liberty to practice their religion and receive an education  all within a safe haven. There was a great deal of integration where people understood and began to understand and take part in other people's cultures.” – Preet Mooneram.

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30 years after the centres closure, this historical building has been left to rot, it’s legacy is being forgotten and the policies of multiculturalism and community it stood for seem to be crumbling along with it.​

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 When asked collectively what made 28 The Parade important , they said this :

“The love for the students and the love that the students had for us.  The Parade was special because it truly cared about people, not their grades or attendance. It understood and catered for people of all backgrounds and living situations. Everyone was so kind and generous:  The Parade was real example of collective effort and what it can achieve”

 

This project remembers the legacy of this centre through discussions, archive photography and a recreated group potrait of the teachers who made the space so special.