Campus celebrates diversity and harmony

Staff and students have spread the message of harmony and celebrated cultural diversity by wearing traditional dress, and sharing food, dance and song as part of Harmony Day 2017.

English as a Second Language team leader Sharon Gilbert said the continuing message for Harmony Day in 2017 was that “Everyone Belongs”.

“This was a great opportunity to celebrate the vibrancy that cultural diversity brings to the university community,” Ms Gilbert said.

“Harmony Day provides an opportunity for students, staff, volunteers and representatives from community groups to come together to showcase their culture through performing, wearing traditional dress and sharing traditional food.”

The event included performances, a fashion parade, photo booth and a “Harmony Day” board for people to write messages and a shared lunch in the Mal Nairn Auditorium.

Filipino student Aimeve Linderberg said the event offered students an opportunity to share a part of their culture with their peers.

“Harmony Day serves to remind us that we are all equal and that everyone belongs, without discrimination,” she said.

More than 300 students are enrolled in English classes across CDU campuses, originating from countries as diverse as China, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nepal, India, Syria and Greece.

CDU currently offers English language tuition for students eligible for the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and for domestic students wanting to improve their language and literacy skills. Classes currently run at Casuarina, Palmerston and Alice Springs campuses during the day and evening using the Certificates in Spoken and Written English frameworks.

AMEP is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training.