Cultural Fridays at World Maritime University: Celebrating Cultural Diversity

The World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden, is a global hub for maritime education, attracting students from over 50 nations, of which a significant number are from African and Caribbean countries. To celebrate this rich diversity, the WMU Student Council introduced Cultural Fridays, a vibrant initiative that became a cornerstone of student welfare. This event provided a platform for students to share their cultural heritage, fostering unity, mutual understanding, and pride in their diverse backgrounds. The African and Caribbean Students Association (ACSA) was a key beneficiary of this initiative, using Cultural Fridays to showcase the rich cultural heritage of their regions and elevate the visibility of their communities within WMU.

The Birth of Cultural Fridays

Cultural Fridays were launched by the WMU Student Council to create a space where students could express their cultural identities through food, fashion, and art. Held on Fridays, these events transformed the WMU campus into a global cultural festival, where students, faculty, and staff come together to celebrate the university’s multicultural community. The initiative aligns with WMU’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, reflecting the global maritime industry’s diverse workforce.

The African and Caribbean Association, a student-led group representing students from African and Caribbean nations embraced cultural Fridays as an opportunity to highlight their unique cultural contributions. With members hailing from countries such as Tanzania, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Gambia, Comoros, Morocco, Ethiopia, Seirra Leone, Namibia, Malawi, Zambia, Suriname, Guyana, Uganda, Liberia, Somalia, Seychelles, Cabo Verde, Angola, and Belize, the ACSA brings a vibrant mix of traditions, histories, and perspectives to the WMU community.

Showcasing African and Caribbean Culture

Each Cultural Friday event is themed around a specific group of countries that organized presentations to showcase the diversity of cultures. These events often featured:

• Culinary Delights: Dishes not only satisfy taste buds but also spark conversations about culinary traditions and their cultural significance.
• Cultural Exhibitions: A display of traditional attire, artifacts, and historical narratives to showcase the region’s history of resilience through art and storytelling.
• Storytelling and Discussions: These sessions educated attendees about the contributions of African and Caribbean nations to fostering a deeper appreciation for their heritage.

Amplifying Visibility and Diversity

Cultural Fridays significantly increased the visibility of the African and Caribbean Association within WMU. The events drew large crowds, including international students, and faculty staff, creating a ripple effect of cultural awareness. This has fostered collaboration with other cultural groups at WMU, that have strengthened intercultural ties and created a sense of shared community among WMU’s diverse student body.

Impact on the WMU Community

The impact of Cultural Fridays extended beyond entertainment. These events have:

• Promoted Inclusion: By providing a platform for underrepresented groups, Cultural Fridays have helped African and Caribbean students feel valued and empowered within the WMU community. This aligns with global efforts to promote diversity.
• Educated and Inspired: The events educated about rich histories and contemporary challenges of African and Caribbean nations, particularly in the context of maritime innovation and sustainability, a core focus of WMU’s mission.
• Built Community: Cultural Fridays have fostered a sense of camaraderie and belonging, echoing the goals of organizations like the African Caribbean Students Association. Students from diverse backgrounds connect over shared experiences, creating lasting friendships and professional networks.

Looking Ahead

The success of Cultural Fridays has inspired the WMU Student Council and the ACSA to extend the good news of the events to future students and alumni. The ACSA aims to collaborate with the Student Council in the future to bring African and Caribbean culture to the broader community, further amplifying their impact.

In conclusion, Cultural Fridays at WMU were a powerful vehicle for the African and Caribbean Association to celebrate their heritage and showcase the diversity within their communities. By sharing their cultures through food, fashion, and art, ACSA members have not only enriched the WMU experience but also reinforced the importance of cultural diversity in shaping a more inclusive maritime industry. As one ACSA member aptly put it, “Cultural Fridays remind us that our differences are our strength, and together, we are redefining maritime excellence.”

The WMU ACSA would like to give special appreciation to Ms. Lydia Salla Kadiri for her key role in the organization of the events, and her role on the WMU Student Council.