Robert Gordon University (RGU) will host a celebration of international diversity and cultures at its Garthdee campus next week.
The university‘s ‘One RGU, Many Nations Week’ will run from Monday, November 2 to Friday, November 6, providing international students and staff with an opportunity to showcase their backgrounds, nationalities and cultures to the wider RGU community.
The week-long event will kick off with an international ‘Many Nations Parade’ through the Garthdee campus on Monday, November 2, and an ‘Exhibition of Nations’ on Tuesday, November 3 which will include staff and student stalls displaying information, photos, music and artefacts from across the world, as well as an international themed buffet.
There will also be a ‘Culture Showcase’ in the amphitheatre of The Sir Ian Wood Building at RGU’s Garthdee campus on Tuesday, November 3 which will feature a variety of performances including dance, music, poetry and speeches.
As part of the week, RGU’s Students’ Union will launch its RESPECT campaign which aims to promote diversity and equality amongst the student body and raise awareness of the on-going equal opportunities work led by RGU’s Students’ Union and the university.
Edward Pollock, RGU’s Student President for Communication and Democracy who is organising the week, says: “One RGU, Many Nations is an opportunity to showcase the incredible range of student and staff nationalities at RGU, and to give them a platform to share their cultural traditions with the wider university community.
“We have a variety of events planned throughout the week which will no doubt create an exciting buzz around the campus and I hope that staff and students will turn out in force to celebrate the university’s international diversity.
“RGU is proud of its diverse population and aims to educate against any discriminatory behaviour. The week is a celebration of cultures and so is a timely opportunity to launch our RESPECT campaign as an addition to the on-going equality work to ensure that all students and staff respect each other regardless of their gender, sexuality, race, religion, disability, age or any other characteristic.”
Throughout November staff and students will be encouraged to show their support for the RESPECT campaign by signing a pledge.
Other events taking place throughout the week are Healthy Living Fair for new international students at RGU’s Garthdee campus on Wednesday, November 4, which will be followed by a One World Party at Garage Nightclub, and an International World Cup student football tournament on Friday, November 6 at Aberdeen Sports Village.
There is an open call for students and staff to take part in the exhibition and showcase, whether that be to hold a stall about their country or to showcase their musical, dancing, acting or any other talents. Anyone interested in getting involved should contact manynations@rguunion.co.uk
For more information on the line-up of events, which are all free to attend, and their timings and locations, visit the One RGU, Many Nations facebook page: www.facebook.com/events/403776089819456/