Weymouth College students celebrated a successful Equality and Diversity Fair.

The Year 2, Level 3 BTEC Business Group were extremely pleased to welcome the Mayor of Weymouth and Portland to their event.

The event, which celebrated equality and diversity in all areas of life, raised funds for the Dorchester Islamic Centre.

Following a visit to Dorchester in early November, the students – impressed and enthusiastic about the work of the centre – chose to nominate the Islamic Centre to receive the funds from the fair they were planning as a part of their unit coursework. The centre loaned many of the clothes and costumes used by the students in the fashion show – one of the highlights of the fair.

Other events included, henna painting, ‘sponge the lecturer’ and a Bollywood dance exhibition

Course Lecturer Martin MacDonald said: “I was hoping that the business studies group would learn both from the experience and through the process of managing the event successfully. I was really delighted to see those expectations exceeded by every one of the 14 students. They are all a great credit to the college”.

Students and visitors were able to sample many of the activities offered by over 12 agencies represented at the Fair - all demonstrating best practice in Equality and Diversity. Exhibitors included Dorset County Council, Wiltshire and Dorset Fire and Rescue, Dorset Race Equality Council, Space, You First and Weymouth College’s Health and Social Care students.

Student Alfie Carney added: “We are really pleased that the Equality and Diversity Fair was such a success and would like to thank again everyone who exhibited and helped out on the day.

“We have just had our debrief session to look at what went well and what could have been improved and we had just one outcome – we need to tell more people about it!”

The College’s ESOL students also arranged an ‘International Cook Off’ in the College’s HIX Academy in support of the fair. The students pulled out all the stops to put on a fabulous feast showcasing authentic cooking and preparation skills from Eritrea, Spain, Thailand and Japan. Guests were able to taste samples from around the globe voting for their favourite cuisine.

It was a closely fought battle with the eventual winner - Pon from Thailand - winning a three-course meal at the HIX Academy.