James Watt College celebrates equality and diversity

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

17^th December 2012

James Watt College celebrates equality and diversity

Staff and students at James Watt College have celebrated equality and diversity with a week-long series of events.

From the 3^rd to the 7^th December, a range of information sessions, awareness projects and demonstrations took place across the college’s Inverclyde and North Ayrshire campuses. Participants were encouraged to get involved in debates surrounding contemporary equality issues with many students sharing their own experiences.

James Watt College student, Steven Hughes, who uses a wheelchair, said: “I have enjoyed helping out at both campuses and I have also enjoyed the talks that I led, especially when the talks made people aware what folk in wheelchairs have to deal with every day in a college environment. I was also shocked at how many people attended my sessions. It’s really helped to build my confidence and self-esteem. The message I hope I managed to get across was ‘I might be disabled but I am able’.”

Among the vast array of events, nursery children celebrated the Hindu festival of light known as Diwali while students at the Waterfront campus presented their experiences on LGBT issues.

Music Lecturer Hugh Cox, who held sessions on world music, commented: “The general consensus from the students involved was that it was a very enjoyable and worthwhile exercise. They seemed to really enjoy the experience, with a few commenting that it felt good to help the College. Another great piece of feedback from a student was that it was strange playing music out with their normal comfort zone but they enjoyed the experience and the challenge.”

While embracing diversity was the key theme, tackling ignorance and violent attitudes towards equality was also covered with presentations from Strathclyde Police on hate crime and cyber bullying, and an information session involving the White Ribbon Campaign, calling for a zero tolerance approach to violence against women. James Watt College is one of the first educational establishments to work alongside White Ribbon Scotland with future initiatives planned.

Sue Pinder, Principal of James Watt College, added: “It was great to see so many staff, students and external groups taking part in the events at all our campuses. At James Watt College, we have students from many different backgrounds and cultures. This is something we’ve always celebrated and I hope that everyone learned a little more about each other and the importance of understanding and embracing equality and diversity.”

-ENDS-