In a celebration of unity in diversity, staff and students of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, marked International Cultural Day with an array of cultural displays and festivities.
The occasion brought together members of the university community from various countries, providing them with a platform to showcase the rich tapestry of their nations’ cultures.
The event, held on Friday, October 27 at the LBC Auditorium, was a true testament to the power of global interconnectedness and a joyful reminder of the uniqueness of humanity despite our differences.
Participants on the day showcased their talents through traditional dance, poetry, music, food, fashion, and screen presentations that took guests on visual voyages to their respective countries.
Some staff members also shared their first-hand experiences from traveling across the globe and their interactions with various indigenous people.
Director of the UPSA Centre for International Education and Collaboration (CIEC), Prof Abigail Opoku Mensah, explained that the annual International Cultural Day is aimed at bringing together staff and students to celebrate their cultures while they learn from one another.
She said the initiative seeks to foster deeper understanding, tolerance, and appreciation of the world’s diverse cultures while fostering unity in the university community.
“This event is a demonstration to our commitment to fostering a campus that is inclusive, welcoming, and respectful of all cultures and backgrounds,” Prof Opoku Mensah said.
“We recognise that as we learn from one another, we become better global citizens. The experiences, perspectives, and traditions that you bring to our university enrich our collective knowledge and open our hearts and minds to new horizons. Today, we come together to celebrate, to learn, and to embrace the beautiful diversity that enriches our lives,” she said.
Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Finance, Professor Isaac Boadi, who spoke on behalf of the Pro Vice Chancellor of UPSA, said the University’s International Cultural Day celebrations exemplified the importance of cross-cultural understanding and unity.
He stressed that it was a reminder that a harmonious world is possible when individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate and learn from one another.
“The International Cultural Day is not just a celebration of our differences; it’s a celebration of what brings us together,” Prof Boadi said.
“It’s an opportunity for us to recognise the value of other cultures and traditions while we learn from them to foster tolerance and appreciate diversity.”
Dean of Students, Dr Philomena Dadzie, used the occasion to highlight UPSA’s efforts in creating a conducive and thriving environment for its international students.
She urged the foreign students to take full advantage of the opportunities, resources and congenial academic atmosphere at UPSA while encouraging them to explore beyond the classroom.
“Studying abroad encompasses more than simply attending lectures and obtaining a degree,” she said.
“It is a transformative experience that fosters personal development and deepens one’s comprehension. These experiences will not only enrich your academic lives but also expand your perspectives that surpass your imagination.”
The International Cultural Day event at UPSA was put together by the Centre for International Education and Collaboration (CIEC).
It brought together several dignitaries, including parents, staff, students, and representatives from the diplomatic missions of Mali, Chad, Togo, Benin, Cote D’voire, Cameroon, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and the Gambia.
