DCG students embrace diversity with spectacular showcases

Derby College Group (DCG) have just held a Culture Week where the campuses came alive with colour, music and tastes from across the globe. 

The DCG teams staged an array of activities including cultural performances to the delicious cuisine, to staff and students sharing their culture with peers through to information stalls and videos to food sampling and showcasing cultural dress, all the contributions truly made the event memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved.  

The events were held at both the Roundhouse and Joseph Wright Campuses. And there were many highlights including a Bollywood dance workshop led by a Derby-based arts organisation – Surtal Arts, a Brazilian Dance led by Red Panda, a Bhangra demonstration from Media, Games Development and E-Sports Curriculum Manager, Neema Johal and an array of traditional dress.

The DCG team and many students performed, cooked, organised and volunteered to foster a sense of unity and celebration of diversity within the college community. and the organisation of the events was led by Sahira Ashraf, Student Experience Team Manager and Debbie Painter, GCSE Plus Curriculum Manager. 

Nisha Nath, Workshop Leader and Chair of Surtal Arts said of DCG and the event: “It was another great event staged by DCG. I am so passionate about working with the College as they are so open to embracing different cultures. We as an organisation, use dance and creative activities to help educate young people about different cultures which is so important to our society, we believe that art has the power to bring people together, build tolerance and inspire change. And for us, it really is about helping people, through the arts, celebrate diversity. Well done to everyone at the College who made these special events happen.”

Aaron Denton, Director of Student Experience and Pastoral Support enthused about the events and commented: "Seeing the vibrant energy and enthusiastic participation during Cultural Week was truly inspiring. Not only was it enjoyable for everyone involved, but it also served as a rich educational experience, teaching our students invaluable lessons about the beauty and diversity of cultures from around the world. The DCG team worked tirelessly to deliver some outstanding events and this was so appreciated.”