Importance Of Cultural Diversity At United World College Robert Bosch
''Culture makes people understand each other better. And if they understand each other better in their soul, it is easier to overcome the economic and political barriers. But first, they have to understand that their neighbor is, in the end, just like them, with the same problems, the same questions.''
-Paulo Coelho
Dear Steemians! Today I am going to write you about the school and community where I currently study and live in, mentioning the event which occurred on 23rd of September, just some days ago.
United World College!
Living with a community of 200 students, representing over than 90 countries all over the world, gives you the honor to experience the spirit of unity, friendship, love, and global education every single day. Waking up every morning with roommates from Germany, Lebanon, and Georgia can sometimes be a difficulty because of the different cultural and personal backgrounds, but there is no such a difficulty that can not be solved. Either we shout: 'Turn the freaking alarm off!', or 'If you don't shut the alarm, I will!'. Mostly, alarm keeps ringing because no one wants to stand up and put on the risk those five minutes of warm feeling in the bed. The worst enemies in the morning, the best friends in the afternoon.
There are so many great things about each culture on our campus, but to peek in each of them for a minute during the work week would last for another era. Furthermore, as our students want to share their experiences with each other, there are many people from outside of campus who would like to get to know more about those cultures, and this school in general. Therefore, every year, we organize the 'Open Day' for everyone who is interested in our programme and diversity. Smaller groups organize a show which usually consists of dancing, singing, and cultural performances and present it to our guests. After the show, in the Mensa's courtyard, guests and students are welcomed to finally peak in each country's culture by trying different national dishes, and commenting on national costumes.
We need to reject any politics that targets people because of race or religion. This isn't a matter of political correctness. It's a matter of understanding what makes us strong. The world respects us not just for our arsenal; it respects us for our diversity and our openness and the way we respect every faith.
-Barack Obama
The photo above can definitely confirm the quote from Barack Obama. Countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia which were in a war for so many years, and still suffer from its consequences, here, all of them stay together as one. If our grandfathers saw this photo, we would be in such a big trouble now. But it is how it is. The most important is that we are happy together, on the safe land for all nationalities, religions, backgrounds, and everything else which is considered as different.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to leave a comment.
@keyss
Photo Credits:
©Arthur Kaae Adams
©Kevin Klaus