The partnership between two Donegal schools, Gaelscoil na gCeithre Máistrí and Scoil Naomh Chaitríona, puts cultural diversity and inclusion at the centre of their PEACEPLUS ASPIRE project. From peer‑learning projects like “Teach Me A Word”, where pupils share words from their native languages to vibrant cultural celebration days, this partnership truly reflects the aims of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE and creates a community where differences are celebrated. Read on to discover highlights of their recent intercultural day!
In March, the schools brought their communities together in Ballyshannon for an Intercultural Celebration Day. Families and local community members hosted stands representing Hungary, Great Britain, India, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Poland, Ireland and Ukraine - reflecting some of the nationalities within the school communities. Each stand showcased food, traditions, jewellery and information about its culture. Pupils, staff and parents were encouraged to visit each display, learning about different cultures through their stories, flavours and traditions.
One parent spoke about the importance of celebrating their culture, sharing how bringing their traditions to events like this helps them feel both connected and united:
We can spread our culture among everyone, so that we can keep united when we are migrants here. It is very good for all of us to share our food, our traditions, and everyone is welcoming everything. Really, we are all blessed .
Aoife Coen, Principal at Scoil Naomh Chaitríona, opened the celebrations with the poignant reminder: “I want you to remember something very important - the things that make you different are the very things that make you special.” Her words set the tone for the afternoon’s events. The school hall was vibrant and lively, filled with laughter, music, dance and moments of sharing and celebration. Each class took to the stage to sing and perform songs in a range of languages, including Irish and Polish, showcasing the rich diversity within both school communities.
After performing the Polish national anthem, one student spoke about how intercultural days like this empower her to embrace her culture:
It makes me feel more comfortable to be proud of who I am and it is really fun seeing people show their cultures and share them with each other.
Her parent shared how meaningful the day was in fostering friendship and celebrating their community:
This is very important for me because I feel that we are together like friends – everybody with everybody. It makes me happy.
Another parent from India also reflected on the deeper impact that intercultural celebrations can have on the school community and how their children can grow up feeling accepted and valued within it:
Our kids will be growing that time; they will be feeling that people are accepting their culture, accepting everyone as a person, rather than their race.
The performances ended on a high note with a lively choreographed dance from India. Pupils, staff and community members cheered, clapped and smiled throughout. Looking around the room, it was clear that the celebration of different cultures and identities had brought everyone together as one community.
One parent reflected on the long-lasting impact or programmes such as PEACEPLUS ASPIRE and the importance of celebrating different cultures:
These kinds of programmes are worthwhile for everyone. The children can have the feeling that they are all equal.
The afternoon stood as a powerful example of shared education in action, capturing the value and true essence of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE: building connections, empowering pupils, and celebrating differences in a peaceful and inclusive society.
To learn more about PEACEPLUS ASPIRE, check out our website here.