Students and staff at Harlow College and Stansted Airport College helped launch the first Cultural Celebration Day, a collaborative effort designed to promote cultural awareness, celebrate diversity, and strengthen understanding of identity and belonging within the college community.

A wide range of activities took place across both campuses, including an art wall, guess-the-flag, a name translator, temporary henna tattoos, world food tasting, street cricket, global music and games, hair, make-up and face painting, and a fashion show. During lunch, visitors enjoyed the powerful rhythms of a drumming group and music from around the world.

At the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) stand, visitors could have their names written in Arabic, Kurdish and Ahmaric.

The event was supported by two community organisations: Women of Grace, which provides advice and support around female genital mutilation (FGM), and Integration Support, a charity working with migrants, refugees and ethnic minority communities across West Essex.

A Turkish food van supplied by The Greatest Doughman was also on site, serving delicious Eastern and Mediterranean dishes outside the University Centre.

The celebration was a collaborative effort between students and staff, designed to promote cultural awareness, celebrate diversity, and strengthen understanding of identity and belonging.

Valerie Lolomari MBE, founder of Women in Grace UK, said: “We are an anti-FGM organisation working tirelessly to end a harmful practice, looking after minoritised women and girls, migrants and refugees. It’s absolutely important to be here today because we get to talk to the students, educate them about the harmful practice and signpost them to where to get help. I’ve met lots of students, lots of teachers, and had time to explain to them and they feel excited and a bit strengthened to talk about it now.”

Integration Support Community Development Worker Matt added: “We’ve met different people from different places. Currently, we’re getting students to add to a world map that I’ve produced, drawing cultural things into different boxes, whether it be language, images, logos or sculptures. The day has been really friendly and very positive - the atmosphere is brilliant.”

Health and Social Care student Chevelle said: “Today I’m celebrating my Jamaican heritage by wearing my Jamaican T-shirt. I think it’s really important to be able to share your cultural background and where you come from. It helps raise awareness and encourages people to learn more about different communities and cultures.”

ESOL student Nazir, who had taken a break from writing people’s names in different languages on beautifully decorated cards, said: “We write people’s names in the languages of our home countries, such as Persian, Kurdish, Pashto and Arabic. Today has been a great way to celebrate our cultural diversity.”

Natalie Smith Head of HR and Employee Relations said It was a truly fantastic day, filled with art, fashion, sport, food, and so much more. The event showcased how strongly we came together as a college community a place where everyone truly belongs.

We celebrated different cultures and learned so much from one another. The incredible traditional clothing worn and kindly shared for display added hugely to the vibrant and positive atmosphere throughout the day. We are proud of all staff and students and will continue to embed Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging in all that we do.