In commemoration of the 2024 International Day for Education, a Kwara-based non-governmental organisation, “Pristine SACC Educational and Technology Initiative,” organised a global cultural awareness training programme for teachers and students in the state.

The training programme, which had about 25 teachers and 150 students selected from schools within the Ilorin metropolis, aimed to emphasise the importance of understanding different cultures, beliefs, and values.

According to the organisers, the training programme also aimed to foster cultural appreciation, global citizenship, and quality education.

The Executive Director of Pristine SACC, Mrs Umar Aisha, noted that the programme represented her organisation’s commitment to “empowering African communities to assume active roles both locally and globally in building more tolerant, peaceful, inclusive, and secure societies.”.

Mrs Umar also said that her organisation focuses on promoting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs 4 and 16, which hinge on quality education and promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions for sustainable development.

Aisha, who urged teachers and students to join hands in creating a society that values diversity, equality, and collaboration, said that “education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is also about empowering individuals to be the architects of a brighter and more harmonious future.

“It is through collective consciousness and appreciation of various cultures besides ours that we build bridges, dispel stereotypes, and pave the way for a more tolerant and interconnected world.”

The programme featured a panel discussion that had speakers participating virtually from different parts of the world, including Lara Casiola, a strategy consultant and social impact specialist; Dr Mary Grogan, an educator and coach from the University of Toronto, Canada; and Allan Martinez, a strategist and researcher who specialises in global development and social impact.

While sharing diverse experiences, the panellists spoke on the intersection of education and global citizenship and how students can take full advantage of their culture to connect with the global community.

They emphasised that promoting cultural diversity would prevent conflict, discrimination, and miscommunication that may arise as a result of cultural differences.

“In these times of rapid change, disruption, and polarisation, we must share space and support with others who are working towards social change and equity to remain positive and hopeful.

This ensures that we can continue to learn, be inspired, and grow into inclusive and compassionate leaders who create healthy, safe, peaceful communities where every voice matters,” Dr Grogan said.

In her own presentation, Mrs Morenikeji Akinola, a culinary expert and cultural diversity enthusiast, spoke on “leveraging local cuisine to connect with the global community.”

She educated teachers and students on the concepts of local and global cuisine while delving into food tourism and also challenging some preconceived notions about global cuisine.

Also speaking, the Programme Director of Pristine SACC, Mr Sodiq Ajala, encouraged teachers and students to apply global cultural awareness knowledge inside and outside the classroom, stressing that promoting global cultural appreciation through education would positively impact teaching job sustainability and foster global citizenship.

He said, “With happenings around the world, embracing cultural diversity matters now more than ever.

Undoubtedly, the promotion of global cultural exchange and awareness is expected to mitigate cultural discrimination, cultural shocks, cultural prejudice, and stereotypes, contributing to the creation of a responsive and enabling environment.”