County Louth VEC - Choiste Gairmoideachais Chontae Lú

DKIT to host second annual Cultural Diversity Day 

On Wednesday, 16 March 2011, Dundalk Institute of Technology will play host to ‘All of Us’, one of the biggest cross-border celebrations of culture and diversity in the region. Primary schools, secondary schools and community organisations from throughout Louth, Armagh and Down are invited to participate in a wide-ranging programme of music, dance, exhibitions, food tastings and other activities throughout the campus. Organised in conjunction with Co. Louth VEC, this is the second year that DKIT has hosted this event.

President of DKIT, Denis Cummins said that the Institute was delighted with the impact of last year’s event. “The success of ‘All of US’, 2010, has demonstrated the rich cultural diversity that is at the heart of the community here in County Louth, and in the Institute. DKIT is proud to host an event that allows our international students the opportunity to share their culture with their fellow students and local communities. Our partnership with Louth VEC on this venture has insured that our shared values on diversity were celebrated widely throughout the county. This year's ‘All of Us’ is set to be an even bigger occasion, as the program has expanded to make full use of the facilities, space and atmosphere of the recently refurbished PJ Carroll Building. I can think of no better way to begin the St Patrick's Day festivities. Everyone is invited at any time during the day, and I look forward to seeing you all here.”

Free tasting of food from over 15 different nationalities at the International Food Fair proved extremely popular last year. This year students in the Hospitality Section of DKIT will once again provide this taste of international cuisine.

Due to the huge interest expressed last year Louth VEC’s Tara Education Centre are expanding their colourful exhibition of Irish Traveller culture. Visitors will get the unique opportunity to go inside a traditional Travellers’ wagon and a small Traveller tent and to hear traveller music performed live. Exhibitions and demonstrations of traditional tinsmith techniques will be provided in the centre of the campus and there will be a lecture on Traveller language and customs.

This year’s guest speaker is Dr Christopher D. Stange from Bangor, Co. Down. Dr Stange has a keen interest in issues related to developing countries. His main appointments include Honorary Consul of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Secretariat for Consular Association of Northern Ireland (CA-NI), Chair of Fairtrade, Belfast and public relations officer of the registered charity, Afro-Community Support Organisation Northern Ireland (ACSONI).

Students on the BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies will facilitate a range of creative arts workshops celebrating cultures from around the world. These 45 minute workshops are free and are open to all 3-5 year olds in the company of an adult. Through the media of story-telling, craft, music, dance, art, drama and imaginative play children will explore a diverse range of different cultures and locations including Native American and Maori culture, the shore of the South China Sea, the jungles of the tropical south, the snow capped Himalayan Mountains, Mexico and Holi Colour Festival of India. (Places are limited. Call 042-9370200 extension 2733/2506 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to book.)

“The organisers have carefully planned a colourful and exciting programme
which will sustain the interest of young people, open their minds to the rich
diversity of our community and provide them with opportunities to enrich
learning in subjects such as history, geography, music, arts, crafts and home
economics,” Dr Pádraig Kirk, the VEC’s Chief Executive Officer said recently.
“Pupils will benefit enormously from the experience, and will get an opportunity to experience a day on the campus of one of Ireland's
leading third level institutions, here in the heart of Co Louth. Every pupil in the
county should get the opportunity to participate in this colourful event.”

Exhibition stands by over 20 organisations will provide useful information on issues of diversity, ethnicity and multiculturalism. A free concert will be held at lunchtime, with music being provided by most of the ethnic groups in County Louth. Students from DKIT’s music programmes will also provide music throughout the campus over the course of the day. A group dance session at the end of the day will give all participants an opportunity to try some of the traditional and modern-dances from both Ireland and other countries, and ending in a free-for-all Walls of Limerick set to finish off the day.

While the emphasis of the day is on fun and participation, the event will send out a strong, serious message that ethnic minority groups are particularly welcome in both institutions. The day will be a celebration of the major contribution they make to the academic and social communities in Louth.

For further information on the event, contact; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 All of Us Brochure Click Here