School 'celebrates differences' on diversity day

Roxenne and Alex, both 15, had a colourful carnival display to represent their Jamaican heritage

A secondary school has celebrated the different cultures represented by pupils with its 15th annual Diversity Day.

On Tuesday, more than 160 students took part in the day at Jack Hunt School in Peterborough, which included cultural performances, traditional outfits and different cuisines being shared among attendees.

Marco Cereste, the mayor of Peterborough, said it was a “fantastic event” that demonstrated the city's multiculturalism.

Pupils told the BBC the event was “great fun”, which helped “bring people together" and allowed them to “educate one another on the different fabrics of society".

Face painting was popular at the display for Lithuania

Students from the Zimbabwe display said they had been preparing for the event for weeks

The event was initially started as a language and culture day 15 years ago, and the school – where students speak more than 60 languages - said it has now grown into a “vibrant celebration” of diverse backgrounds.

Myowamba and Telalo both 15, said they were proud to represent their Zimbabwean heritage and have been preparing for the event for weeks.

"We are representing and sharing a part of our identity. We hope to learn about other cultures and educate ourselves as well today,” Myowamba said.

Illia and Vasilisa, both 15, moved from Ukraine and have been attending the school since 2022

Vasilisa, 15, who moved to Peterborough from Ukraine, said it was important for her to highlight the challenges faced by her home country.

“It was difficult first to move and adjust in the school as I didn’t have many friends. I have a disability and use brail and some people didn’t know how to communicate with me. But I am happy now,” she said.

Yusra, Haleema, Goda and Kyla were dressed in abayas to represent United Arab Emirates

Wasila and Areen, both 15, said they wanted to show people “how nice the Moroccan culture is”.

Areen said: “It gives you an opportunity to see different cultures first hand. Some people get information online which may not always be accurate."

Areen and Wasila said they had 'really enjoyed' the event

The other countries represented by pupils included Bangladesh, Lithuania, Portugal, Palestine and Afghanistan and many more. These cultures were showcased alongside religious representation from Sikhism and Judaism, Islam and Christianity among others.

A stand representing the LGBTQ+ community was also on display.

Students representing India said they had received 'lovely feedback' for their display

Students representing the Pakistani heritage were entertaining the attendees with a dhol beat

Mr Cereste said the young people did “a great job”.

“I think what leads to aggression is ignorance. So the more the people learn the less chance of us ending up in a punch up," he said.

The city mayor's Marco Cereste said he was "excited" to attend the event

Sidra Hussain, the international education coordinator at the school, said the diversity day aligned with their mission to “nurture global citizens who are both empathetic and knowledgeable".

“It’s a testament to our community and students who are bringing the best out of all of us and putting our differences aside,” she said.