Durham College (DC) showcased its multicultural student population at the International Mother Language Day festival, a collaborative event hosted by DC’s International office, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s (UOIT) Student Experience Centre and the shared Diversity office of DC and UOIT. The event took place at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre.

Giving students the opportunity to share their linguistic and cultural diversity by showcasing elements of their culture such as traditional dress, artifacts, food and dance. The festival encouraged students to consider learning additional languages to enhance their global competitiveness while enriching their lives and broadening their horizons.

A spectacular capoeira performance by Groupo Axé showcasing the Brazilian martial arts technique which combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music was a highlight of the occasion.

“The internationalization that is happening at DC is gaining speed and seeing all the cultures represented on campus at today’s event exemplifies this,” said Larissa Strong, manager, International Student Support, DC. “We have nearly 400 students from 32 countries that chose to continue their studies at DC and bring their international understanding, culture and energy to our campus every day.”

International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1999 as a way to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity.