A GALWAY school which boasts pupils from 43 different countries yesterday celebrated its unique international flavour with a multicultural exhibition.
Coláiste Einde in Salthill has made a rich contribution to Irish life down through the decades and includes among its past pupils the late author Breandán Ó hEithir, former GAA president Joe McDonagh and current Fianna Fáil MEP Pat “the Cope” Gallagher.
However, a quick look at the roll now shows children from all parts of the world, including Mexico, Nigeria, the Netherlands, Guatemala, Portugal, Estonia, Uganda, Syria, China, Japan, the US, Democratic Republic of Congo, Turkey, Poland and India.
The school, which opened in 1928, was initially renowned as a teacher training college and its imposing building in the west of Galway city was used as a hospital during the second World War. In former times the school attracted boarders from all along the western seaboard. Now with 43 different nationalities among the student body, Coláiste Einde yesterday decided to put its unique global diversity on show.
That rich cultural variety was demonstrated through drama, music and dance as well as debating, where the school has a rich tradition – the school’s debating team are the current All-Ireland champions.
School principal Siobhán Quinn said the events were to “celebrate and create an awareness of diversity” given the unique range of nationalities.
Food-tasting was also a key part of the day and parents got involved with the help of local restaurants.
The workshops were hosted by Pete Mullineaux (drama), Anthony McNamee (drumming) and members of the asylum seeking community in Salthill’s Eglinton Hotel.
Pupils were encouraged to adopt a country and wear its national dress for the day.