One RGU, Many Nations Carnival
Tuesday 03 November 2015
noon - 7pm
Amphitheatre, Sir Ian Wood Building
// What is the One RGU, Many Nations Carnival? //
One RGU, Many Nations is an annual event hosted by RGU:Union to celebrate international diversity and culture at Robert Gordon University. It is a chance to showcase the incredible range of nationalities of students studying here, and to give them a platform to share their cultural traditions with the student community at RGU.
// What happens during the carnival? //
The carnival consists of various events to bring students together. These include: Aberdeen International Market, Many Nations Parade, Exhibition of Nations, Culture Showcase, Healthy University Fair, 8 A Side World Cup and a One World Party.
The headline event of the week takes place on TUESDAY 3RD NOVEMBER, from 12PM, in the Ampitheatre of the Sir Ian Wood Building. This is where we will host our EXHIBITION OF NATIONS and CULTURE SHOWCASE. Students and staff will come together to display their culture with music, clothing, games, dancing, sining and more! There will also be a international buffet of food, and various speakers.
// Who are the speakers? //
In March 2013, St John’s Episcopal Church in Aberdeen opened its doors to worshippers from the neighbouring Mosque. The Rector of the Church, the Rev Canon Dr Isaac Poobalan, saw that worshippers from the Mosque were forced to pray outside in the freezing cold as there was insufficient room in the Mosque. This led to him exploring with the Imam of the Mosque the potential for Muslims to worship in the Church building rather than out in the freezing cold. This presented some challenges both from those within the Church and those within the Mosque, but a way was found which was respectful of beliefs on both sides and which grew the friendship and partnership between the Church and the Mosque.
The arrangement is of global significance, and drew media attention from across the world. Strong views have been expressed – both from those in support of the arrangement but also those who were opposed. Isaac Poobalan and Emad Jodeh will describe their first hand experience of sharing worship space, how it has brought people from different traditions and beliefs together in friendship and support, and how they have coped with the publicity surrounding this.
// How can I get involved? //
We are looking for volunteers (students or staff) to come forward and help showcase their culture! We need groups of students running stalls with different artifacts, clothing, music, from your country.
We are also looking for performers to take to the stage and show their international talents, from singing, to dancing, to poetry and more!
If you are interested, and want to participate in the event on the 3rd November (or any of our other events), then please contact manynations@rguunion.co.uk