A multi-cultural experience at Breifne College
Students from Breifne College rolled out the red carpet for Belgian Ambassador, Robert Devriese; Andrew Boylan, Cavan Town Mayor and Ms. Karen Fichtinger-Grohe; Deputy Head of Mission of the Austrian Embassy. School principal, John Crotty, shows the visitors into the school for the first event in Breifne College International Week 2010. Photo: Adrian Donohoe
Breifne College launched its second International Week on in March. In attendance to launch the week-long celebrations of cultural diversity were Robert Devriese, the Belgian Ambassador; Karin Fitchinger-Grohe, Austrian Deputy Head of Missions; Andrew Boylan, Cavan Mayor; and Sean McKiernan, chair of the Board of Management. The event was hosted by John Kearney, principal and John Crotty, acting principal.
It was a delightful afternoon, the student body and staff gave a warm and enthusiastic reception to the visiting dignitaries.
International Week was established in 2009 to celebrate the cultures of the many nationalities now represented in the student body and staff. We live in an increasingly globalised world where migration has become the norm. Ireland in recent years has reversed the trend of hundreds of years from mass emigration to immigration. Our society has changed rapidly; therefore looking to the future it is essential that a process of successful integration takes place. With this in mind, International Week was born - a week-long celebration of different cultures culminating in a celebration of Irish culture on the Friday prior to St. Patrick's Day.
Each year three other nationalities (as well as Irish) are chosen for particular celebration. This year the council decided that given that the true worth of a democracy can be determined by how it treats its minorities, the council decided to honour especially those countries with fewer numbers of students in the school for example Slovakia, Brazil, The Belgian Congo and Austria.
The week commenced with the official opening. Mr. Devriese, the Belgian Ambassador, compared the Belgian experience to the Irish one, especially regarding the two countries' comparative size. He also addressed especially students from the Democratic Republic of the Congo - he himself was born in the Belgian Congo and lived there for 19 years, indeed he still regards it as his home. Mr. Devriese said he considered it "an honour to be invited to such an event and to be a representative of the international community". Ms. Fitchinger-Grohe spoke about the importance of intercultural integration. She stressed especially the value of learning another language and how it can open up a whole new world.
Both dignitaries were very happy to attend the event to give their support to the concept of honouring and respecting diverse cultures and nations.
During the week, students enjoyed many exciting and colourful events ranging from Irish dancing to Brazilian Capoeira, Irish and International cookery and GAA workshops, volleyball tournaments, quizzes, poster competitions and an international soccer matches that saw Ireland beat Brazil in an exciting and nail-biting play off.
The school was awash with posters from every nationality creating a colourful and fun environment and a general sense of solidarity.
As a student council member noted "in celebrating difference we discovered that we have a great deal in common".
Two students addressed the invited guests and speakers on Monday afternoon; Timothy O'Brien the co-chairperson of the student council welcomed all international students to the school and commented on how the whole educational experience in Breifne College was enriched by their presence and ensured a broad educational experience. Agnes Lyson, from Poland and also a student council representative spoke eloquently about her 'journey' so far in Ireland, the initial difficulties especially with the language barrier and her growing self confidence in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Once again, International Week was a tremendous success, "highlight of the year" one seasoned observer stated. It certainly is a visible and actual demonstration of the educational values gained in respecting and honouring our cultural difference and most of all - common ground.
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