Rath Dara Community College’s Joyful Culture Day
This celebration was a moving showcase of kindness, diversity and inclusion. From the minute the Schools of Sanctuary team walked in the reception door, the energy and excitement were palpable as students from diverse backgrounds came together to celebrate their unique cultures through music, dance, language, traditional clothes and delicious food.Â
The celebration highlighted a dynamic blend of nationalities and cultures represented in the school community, including Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Brazil, Cameroon, China, Congo, France, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, India, Iran, Ireland, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lithuania, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Somalia, South Africa, Togo, Turkmenistan, UK, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe. Rath Dara is also a proud sanctuary for Irish Traveller, Roma, and Amazigh students.Â
Highlights of the talent show included a fusion of traditional music and dance from Brazil, Nigeria, Mauritania, China and India, and a hurling demonstration from PE teachers. Rich, thriving, and uplifting intercultural friendships were clearly evident in the student body, reflected in clapping, cheering and mutual support of each others efforts.
Commitment to intercultural inclusion was abundantly clear not only in the enthusiasm of the students but also in the genuine support and devotion of parents, staff, and school management. Deputy Principal Mr. Cathal McDaniel, Sanctuary Lead Charlotte O’Donovan, and Librarian Ms. Mariana Gouvin played key roles in creating an atmosphere of celebration and belonging and all spoke so passionately about the community’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment.
Visual displays throughout the school added to the impact- vivid posters and collages illustrated Rath Dara’s Diversity Code, celebrated past cultural events, and shared messages of welcome. These displays transformed the corridors into a gallery of lived experiences and proud identities, offering the chance for visitors to appreciate the richness of the community.Â
Rath Dara’s Culture Day demonstrated the immense power of Irish schools to build belonging and mutual respect. The school’s ongoing commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering inclusion sets a powerful example of what it means to be a School of Sanctuary.Â
