Millstreet’s eclectic culture club
A SIGN of the changing nature of Irish society became evident in Millstreet Community School when the Transition Year students hosted a Language and Culture Night from diverse nationalities.
The event brought together young people and their families in a celebration of the different languages and cultures, including Irish, which now exist in the Millstreet area. People from over ten countries were involved in some way in the enjoyable evening; including personnel from Poland, Chechnya, Côte d’Ivoire, Germany, Nigeria, Malawi, Pakistan and South Africa.
Proceedings opened in the School Library involved young people being given the opportunity to introduce themselves, say a little bit about where they or their family is from. They spoke about traditions, food, and important days in their national calendar, also performing cultural dances.
Subsequently, everybody was invited into the canteen where a rich array of food from different countries was on display from different countries for everyone to taste. The Transition Year students and local families had been busy themselves cooking for the event and by the end of the evening all the serving plates were empty.
When asked to reflect on why a night like this is important, Junior Certificate student and Nigeria native Dieko Amujo explained: “I think events like this are important as they bring people from different backgrounds and countries together.”
Thrilled TY Mary Kate Murphy spoke of a great opportunity to learn about different people’s cultures and languages.
Asked about which part of the night he enjoyed the most, Junior Cert Qiqa Maqubela from South Africa said: “It was definitely when everyone went into the canteen to eat. I just couldn’t wait to taste the foods from different countries. It was delicious!”
Ms. Iniobong Usanga, founder of the organisation ‘Love and Care for People’, attended the Language and Culture Night and was impressed with what the event was trying to achieve. “We at Love and Care for People testify that the event promoted interaction, integration, social inclusion, collaboration and cultural exchange between people of different nationalities. It showcased the diverse ethnicities, religions, customs, traditions, food, language represented in the school”, she said.
“People develop an understanding of different countries and some of their way of life, highlighting the importance of valuing differences yet at the same time emphasising that even though we are different, we are all valued individuals and our different customs, traditions play a vital role in who we are as individuals.
“I am very delighted to have participated in this unique event, such stagings should be encouraged and supported in all Irish rural communities and beyond.”
Summing up the night, John Magee, Millstreet Community School Chaplain spoke of the diverse of changes in Ireland over the last 20 years. “One of the most noticeable has been the number of people who now call Ireland their home but whose family origins lie elsewhere in Europe or further afield. The Language and Culture Night provided us with a chance to recognise this increasing diversity while at the same time celebrating that which is traditionally Irish,” he said.
The Language and Culture Night formed part of the Millstreet Community School’s efforts to introduce development education across the school over the coming years, supported by WorldWise Global Schools, which is part of Irish Aid.