By Eunice Hilda A. Mensah
Accra, Feb.24, GNA – Mr Mehmet Akmermer, the Managing Director (MD), Galaxy International School, has advised learners at the school to be curious about the world, understand and embrace cultural diversity to enrich themselves and promote harmony and development.
“Today, we celebrate more than just culture. We celebrate connection, understanding, and the beautiful mosaic of humanity. We are gathered here as individuals from different walks of life, each with unique traditions, languages, and customs. Yet, if we listen closely, we will realize that beneath our differences, our hearts beat to the same rhythm, our dreams carry the same aspirations, and our hopes shine with the same light,
“I challenge you. Be curious about the world. Learn a new language. Try a dish from another culture. Ask questions. Seek understanding. Most importantly, let kindness and respect guide you in every interaction. Because true intelligence is not just about knowledge; it is about understanding and embracing others,” he advised.
The advice was given at the School’s 19th Annual Inter-Cultural Festival held in Accra on the theme: “Harmony in Diversity: The World as One”.
The festival saw pupils and students of the school in pre-school to Senior High clad in beautiful outfits peculiar to their native countries and display their culture through dance, exhibition, singing, and delicacies.
The countries represented included Ghana, Turkey, India, USA, UK, Uzbekistan, South Africa, Mali, La Cote d’Ivoire, Pakistan, Iran, Nigeria, China, and Angola.
The MD stated: “Imagine a world where only one colour painted the skies, where only one type of flower bloomed, or where only one song was ever sung. Wouldn’t that world feel empty? It is the variety of colours, the richness of sounds, and the diversity of thought that make life vibrant and meaningful.
“In the same way, our cultures, languages, and traditions add beauty to the world. When we come together, bringing our food, music, stories, and perspectives, we do not erase our uniqueness; we enrich one another. It is in our differences that we find strength, and it is through unity that we find harmony.”
Even though history had too often shown the world the consequences of division, where differences had been used as reasons for conflict and misunderstanding, Mr Akmermer told the students to anticipate to inherit a world where borders were becoming less important, where technology connected all across continents, and where the challenges humanity faced—climate change, poverty, and global peace, could only be solved together.
He admonished parents and guardians to encourage their children to explore beyond their familiar circles, to appreciate differences, and to see the world not through the lens of “us and them” but as “we, together.”
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, reiterated that the curiosity and willingness of the students to embrace new ideas would pave the way for a future where borders were not barriers but bridges.
Saying teachers held the potential to inspire respect, empathy, and acceptance, she urged them to continue fostering an environment where every child felt valued, regardless of their background.
“Education is not merely about knowledge; it is about nurturing citizens who will champion peace and cooperation,” he added.
Mr Mohammed Adamu Ramadan, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Adentan Constituency, who chaired the ceremony, said every child just knew the family around him or her when born, therefore an opportunity like the cultural festival could broaden their horizon.
He commended Galaxy International School for the beautiful display of varied cultures and promotion of harmony among many nationals and encouraged other schools to emulate the example.
“Ghana is a country that embraces cultural diversity, so we have opened up our doors. We have other people who belong to different jurisdictions, so it’s a very good thing in bringing all of us together,” he added.
The MP condemned the conduct where some families had gradually given up their dialect to speak only English language with their children, and called on all to go back to their roots and basics.
“I tell my children that if you are asked where you come from, you will say you are a Ghanaian but if you are asked what tribe you are, you will mention your tribe and if you can’t speak your language, then you are losing your identity, so we should be able to blend the two very well,” he added.
Okyeame Kwame, a Highlife Musician, who graced the occasion clad in a “Kente” with an “abotire” hat, to depict the rich Ghanaian culture and it is love for diversity, said the display of cultural diversity and dynamism was beautiful to witness.
Speaking on the theme, he said the combination of different dances, singing, showcasing of natural resources and delicacies by different nationalists proved that the world sought one thing which was peace and oneness.
“It expresses nothing but that Bob Marley song – one love, one heart, let’s get together and feel alright,” he sang.
GNA