By Kiara Babar, Year 13,
Leader of Diversity Club at Ribston
Last term Ribston hosted a remarkable Culture Day, showcasing the vibrant diversity within our student body. Led by the Senior Diversity Ambassadors, Kiara Babar, Delilah Fernandes, Trisha Amoako, and Takiyah Riamah, the event was a culmination of careful planning and enthusiastic participation.
A plethora of activities was arranged to engage and educate students about different cultures. Fundraising efforts were launched, spanning a week and featuring diverse activities such as Henna stalls, a Bake Sale, and a Flag Making workshop. There was a raffle and the ever-popular Staff V’s Head Student Team Cultural Quiz (which Sixth-form won of course!). The enthusiasm was clear, and an impressive amount was raised for the charity Equally Ours.
In the lead-up to the event, students poured their creativity into crafting decorations for the school hall. From crocheted bunting to cultural mood boards, all contributed to the festive atmosphere. A Cultural Art Competition further fuelled excitement, with Lily Nemeth securing first place for her stunning depiction of Chinese culture.
As Culture Day dawned, students arrived dressed in a kaleidoscope of cultural clothes, setting the stage for a day of celebration. The school halls were transformed with an array of flags and decorations, courtesy of the organising team's tireless efforts. Lessons took on a cultural twist, with activities ranging from Bollywood dance lessons to African Dance workshops, engaging students across year groups.
During lunchtime, students had a feast of continental cuisines, sourced from around the globe. But the highlight of the day was the Cultural Runway, where Key Stage 3 students strutted their stuff in cultural outfits.
The festivities continued with student-led stalls, – including yummy snacks for everyone to dig into. I went shopping, in an attempt to get something from every continent and bought a boot-full of food – including 900 fortune cookies!! allowing everyone to explore and appreciate different cultures firsthand. The event fostered a sense of unity and appreciation for diversity, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating next year's celebration.
Thank you to everyone involved – it was a wonderful day, and we can’t wait for next year!