Scoil Chríost Rí Portlaoise was alive with celebration as it hosted a colourful and heartwarming cultural event to mark Refugee Week 2025. Organised by Laois Partnership Company, the event showcased the rich diversity of cultures within the local community through music, dance, food, and vibrant displays.
Highlights included captivating performances by the Malva Ukrainian choir, who delighted audiences with traditional Ukrainian songs and Irish favourites like ‘Lovely Laois’. Attendees enjoyed a global tasting experience featuring dishes from Syria, Jordan, Ireland, India, Guatemala, Moldova, Ukraine, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Sierra Leone, and Latvia. Many students also wore traditional dress, adding to the visual celebration of cultural diversity within the school and community.
Interactive dance workshops allowed participants to learn Irish céilí steps and Ukrainian folk dances, fostering unity and shared joy among students and community members alike. The event exemplified the power of community coming together to celebrate understanding, inclusion, and cultural pride.
Peter Ormond, The Social Inclusion Manager with Laois Partnership Company said: “The success of this event was made possible through dedicated support and collaboration. The ongoing commitment by many agencies to foster social cohesion and promoting cultural integration in Laois has been instrumental in creating opportunities for communities to connect and celebrate their shared humanity. The work carried out Laois Partnership Company and others continues to strengthen local initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring that events like this resonate well beyond Refugee Week, inspiring lasting community bonds.”
Scoil Chríost Rí’s celebration stands as a testament to the enriching impact of diversity and community spirit, highlighting the important role schools play in fostering understanding and inclusivity among young people.
Learn more about the New Arrivals programme and the SICAP programme run by Laois Partnership Company.
