In an era when hate, greed & effects of human-made Climate/Biodiversity Crises are rising, it's more crucial than ever before to implement the UN’s ethos of ‘peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet’ & its 17 sustainability development goals
So in that context I am so going to miss, after 24 years of doing so, helping organise activities at my university research centre designed to bring people from all parts of the globe together in a spirit of respect & friendship, to highlight & celebrate their own cultures, & to ensure colleagues from all continents had opportunities to experience, learn about & immerse themselves in the rich heritage & history of Ireland
Multicultural Festivals
Our Data Science Institute(DSI) pioneered the hosting of end-of-year in-house Multicultural Festivals
Every Christmas, staff & students decorate the building with festive bunting & transform its main room into a series of stands showcasing the cuisine, dress, images, music & customs of their homelands. Families & friends are invited to come along & enjoy the foods, non-alcoholic beverages & traditions on offer
As the event takes place at Christmas, a DSI member dresses up as Santa bringing gifts to the kids with exciting retro arcade games also on offer for the enjoyment of all. Over the years, music seisiuns have often been held blending Irish music with other ethnic traditions. Galway City mayors are invited so that DSIers can feel valued & accepted as part of local society.
Check out https://lnkd.in/duEMfnST (2015) & https://lnkd.in/djGk5j47 (2023)
Our ‘Places of Birth’ on a World Map
DSI prominently displays a large interactive map of the world where its members mark, with pin & picture, their places of birth
Global Languages
Another wall map showcases the wide range of languages spoken at DSI. Each nationality is encouraged to write the saying “Welcome to our workplace!” in their native tongue on a label that is pinned onto the map. 44 languages are currently on show
Experiencing the Living Heritage of Ireland
Opportunities are annually provided to DSIers to take part in group trips to historical places & to experience Ireland’s indigenous living culture. These journeys have included visits to Croagh Patrick, Mayo Greenway, Athlone to Mullingar Greenway, Boyne Valley, Monaghan, Carlingford, Connemara, Inishbofin & trips along the River Shannon to Clonmacnoise
DSIers are also regularly encouraged to volunteer with local conservation groups
Hall of Heroes
We place along one corridor photos of our colleagues' graduation days. We call it the Hall of Heroes!
