By News Editor Amanda Uwase.
Last week, DCU showcased its global identity, celebrating the cultures that shape life across its campuses. This was brought to life by the VP for Diversity and Inclusion, Malha Muhammed. DCU’s student union collaborated with a range of different societies to make last week one to remember. From food to clothes to music, DCU went on a tour of different cultures to reflect the reality of diversity and inclusion on all campuses.
DCU’s Glasnevin and St.Patricks campus were both brought to life with ‘Global Potlucks’ and ‘Around the World Market Fairs’, creating spaces where culture, food and conversation met. Students sampled dishes such as Jamaican jerk chicken rice, Middle Eastern makluba and Greek moussaka, discovering different cultures through shared meals. Henna art stalls offered a hands-on insight into traditional cultural practices. Student societies, including the Christian Union, Erasmus Student Network, Chinese, Islamic and French societies, showcased their work, connected with students and raised funds for charity. The events highlighted how university life encourages cultural exchange, inclusion and learning beyond the classroom.
Source: DCU SU
Bingo and Beats proved a highlight, blending the game of bingo with African music to great success. Speaking about the event, DCU Afro Society second-year representative Chukwuma Patrick Anyanwu, a second-year computer science student, emphasised that “inclusion and diversity are vital in college life.” Celebrating other cultures, he explained, helps students feel “valued” and more inclined to stay. While growing up in a predominantly white country can feel “intimidating”, his experience at DCU has been positive, with opportunities based on “aptitude rather than race”. From internships to campus life, he pointed to “equal access” and a university that actively “invites many cultures”.
Source: DCU French Society
Michael Kennedy, president of the French Society and a fourth-year mechanical and sustainability engineering student, said the society was “delighted to be invited” to take part in the multicultural fair. Members offered complimentary French refreshments to those who stopped by and wanted to “speak a bit of French”. He noted that university is where many students “develop our identity as people”, making it important to talk openly about where we are from. Celebrating culture on campus, he said, is vital for personal development and shared experience. The French Society, he added, keeps “fond memories of France alive” and often helps students come to terms with the language and culture ahead of Erasmus.
Source: DCU SU
Noel Reji, president of the Indian Society and a fourth-year student in Computing for Business, highlighted the society’s Diwali restaurant collaboration with DCU as a key moment. The society helped design promotional material with the student union. Noel said feedback around the food and celebrations was “really positive”, making it a successful partnership. Culture, he noted, is “really important to celebrate”, adding that it is encouraging to see cultural awareness actively happening on campus. The society’s goal, he said, is to bring culture back in a way that is “fun and entertaining”. While growing up in Dublin felt less inclusive, his experience at DCU has been one where culture is “well respected” and shared interests bring students together.
Source: DCU SU
Speaking on the planning behind the week, VP for Diversity and Inclusion Malha Muhammed explained that the campaign had been in the works since the end of November, driven by a desire to create “meaningful opportunities for students to learn from one another and engage with different perspectives.” She emphasised that multiculturalism goes beyond events, focusing instead on creating spaces where students feel “seen, valued, appreciated and connected through shared experiences.” By highlighting lived stories and encouraging direct cultural engagement, the initiative aimed to shape a vibrant, interconnected global community on campus, leaving students with a stronger sense of belonging and understanding.