Celebrating diversity throughout college life
Why Get Set?
Liverpool Community College (Liverpool, North West) was impressed by how the Olympic and Paralympic Values fitted into everyday college life. Building on what was already being done across the college it was decided that the college’s diversity week could be based on the Olympic and Paralympic Values. In this high profile week all students and staff were to have the opportunity to get involved in activities and events.
The Journey So Far
Diversity week was celebrated with a wide range of activities including a disability sports day, a celebration of international women’s day, sessions led by members of Refugee Action and food samples from around the world prepared by college catering students. Guest speakers included Everton and England footballer Rachel Brown. The sports department promoted the Olympic and Paralympic Games and introduced students to the game of crazy catch!
Brightside, a student led lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender group, held a series of activities based around sports and the Values to promote LGBT history month. A weekly drop in session is offered to students along with opportunities for discussing current LGBT issues.
World AIDS day was marked with a series of events and activities; red ribbons and cakes were sold to fundraise for the National AIDS trust and stalls featured myth busting games and displays of information about AIDS.
A yearly football tournament supports the Anthony Walker Foundation and focuses on ‘kick racism out of football’ while an annual talent show fundraises for charity and celebrates both student and staff talent! Students have also been involved in a project aiming to regenerate parts of Liverpool and help build a positive image of students in the local community.
A DVD has been made by the Student Union Committee to mark the re-launch of the college’s values; these now incorporate the Olympic and Paralympic Values.
Positive Values
The Olympic and Paralympic Values have helped the college to focus on its own values and promote these widely across the college particularly through diversity week activities and celebrations. Throughout the year students have engaged in various activities and events increasing their knowledge of diversity and equality.
And the highlights for students?
Students have related easily to the Olympic and Paralympic Values and have particularly enjoyed hearing guest speakers tell their inspirational stories.
“The stories from the guest speakers at the diversity celebration show really touched me, it showed me that it doesn’t matter what situation you are in, you can always succeed.”
Towards 2012
Students will continue to experience a range of events and activities inspired by the Olympic and Paralympic Values. The aim will be to increase the knowledge of students and staff in areas such as equality and diversity and to continue embedding these into every aspect of college life.
Students will be involved in Get Set projects and competitions and some will be able to experience the games first hand by seeing an event.
