Celebrating Diversity and Equality

A range of different cultures, interests and backgrounds were explored at Brockenhurst College as students and staff celebrated Diversity Week from 24th - 28th February.

Centred around the themes of dignity and respect, the week was a means of recognising the multi-cultural, socially diverse community within the College and across the region, and to raise awareness about the situations of others.

Diversity Week at Brock was launched by College Principal Di Roberts, who spent a day in a wheelchair, supplied by student Ian Payne, in order to understand the challenges encountered by disabled individuals. Di fed her experience back to students and staff, and said: “This was an illuminating experience that allowed me to appreciate the mobility challenges that wheelchair users can face. I viewed the physical layout of the College in so much more detail and it became a valuable way of ensuring we eliminate any accessibility barriers, however small, that could cause issue around the campus. It was great to watch Ian showcasing his tennis talents, which will hopefully take him to the Brazil Olympics, and see him challenge Alex Scott, our Deputy Principal to a match! The day also highlighted the kind and helpful nature of so many of our students who thoughtfully came to my assistance.”

Other events and workshops relating to diversity were held throughout the week and promoted friendship, empathy and understanding, as well as providing an opportunity for current students to try new activities. Highlights included an Adult Inclusive Learning (AIL) Open Day and a film screening of a performance by their drama group, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair rugby, a language & cultural exchange event, a debate on immigration in Britain, a presentation from Nightstop on homelessness, a lecture about Early Years education and the challenges facing young people by Visiting Research Fellow Kate Wall from the University of Chichester, and a multicultural fayre which included representation from LGBT and different cultural groups within the College. The flavour of diversity was further enhanced with the serving of an international menu in the College’s Hard Brock Café.

International student Tiffany Lee from China commented: “I came here to study Maths, Economics and Psychology. I am really enjoying Brockenhurst College; they have really helped me and made me feel like I am part of a family. Diversity Week has been particularly interesting in raising awareness about how students from all over the world, and from such a variety of backgrounds, study together − I have particularly enjoyed the range of information available at the multicultural fayre.”

Jill Lueddeke, Head of Supported and Foundation Learning, organised the week’s events. She said: “We have celebrated the differences and multiple viewpoints that make educational institutions such as Brock so vibrant and interesting. It has been fantastic to see so many students get involved, embrace different ideas and points of view, and discuss a number of topics related to diversity and how this can make such a positive impact to the College and society in general.”