“Celebrating Diversity: Our Anti-Racism Manifesto and International Students’ Day Event”

To recognise this year's International Students’ Day, together with one of our students from the African-Caribbean Society, we put together an anti-racism manifesto event, before a second, cultural event to celebrate our international students, with more than 80 students in attendance!

In trying to build our Anti-Racism Manifesto, we had students speak up about their experiences and how they impacted them. It was also interesting to hear how racism comes in different formats, from making others feel less of themselves, to tolerating others because it is a duty and not necessary because you want to. These contributions were very helpful towards building the manifesto, which will be announced officially soon.

We proceeded to have a cultural celebration, also showing how diverse our university population is, and the Students’ Union's conscious effort to ensure all students are represented and feel a sense of belonging. Starting out with networking sessions, a traditional game from our Oriental Society, a society talk from the African-Caribbean Society, the Ukrainian Society, as well as the Oriental Society. We also had some of our students volunteer to talk about their culture and we all learned one or two new things from sharing cultural knowledge and heritage.

One student volunteer from Ukraine put together cultural artworks from various countries for our art displays and a collage masterclass!

And what’s a cultural celebration without cultural snacks? We had lots of snacks with different savoury and sweet tastes, which our students loved!

Then we got down to the lively Karaoke session. It is generally safe to say that all our students had fun, and massive thanks to everyone, and especially the Students’ Union staff and volunteers who created the opportunity to do this.

Hopefully, we have another next Year.