On March 18, Durham College (DC) students were invited to learn more about DC’s diverse population in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre (CRWC). The Mother Language Festival is a collaborative event hosted by DC’s International and Diversity offices, as well as the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s (UOIT) Student Experience Centre.

The third-annual event allowed multicultural students to share, raise awareness and learn about each other’s language and nationalities. This year, a wide variety of cultures were represented at the event, including Pakistan, Iran, Brazil, Eritrea, Afghanistan and India among others.

“All of the display tables brought something unique to the event.” said Allison Hector-Alexander, diversity officer at DC. “The Saudis had a very elaborate presentation, the Arab Nations won for best display and our Indian table was most hospitable.”

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. This international event highlights the importance of inclusive education through and with language.

“This year’s Mother Language Festival was a wonderful opportunity for Durham College and UOIT students to share an important component of who they are with their peers,” said Sarah Edwards, international education officer. “The exhibitors and performers were amazing and did a terrific job engaging others in lively conversations about their languages and cultures.”