As an educator committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, I often approach cultural celebrations, particularly those centred on food, flags and festivals, with caution. While joyful on the surface, they can sometimes feel tokenistic.
At their worst, they reinforce “otherness,” acknowledging a culture only in contrast to a presumed dominant norm.
As diversity, equity and inclusion expert : “Culture days often create the opposite of what they intend. By treating ‘culture’ as something exotic that non-white or non-British children perform, they can tend to:
- Other the very children they claim to include.
- Make some children feel cultureless and excluded.
- Reduce complex identities to costume performances.
- Reinforce whiteness as the invisible ‘norm’.”
Building belonging
Yet occasionally, a cultural event transcends tokenism and truly builds belonging. That was the case at St George’s International School in Luxembourg after Year 13 student Yassin El Edkawi proposed hosting an Iftar for the wider community.
Iftar is the evening meal with which Muslims break their daily fast during Ramadan. It takes place at sunset and is often marked by communal gatherings and shared meals. Beyond its religious significance, Iftar can also foster community and connection.
Michael Neumann, our diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) coordinator, was immediately inspired by the idea. “I could see the beauty in including others in such a personal celebration,” he said. “It offered an opportunity for mutual understanding and shared joy.”
Muslim students and staff quickly joined the organising team, and senior leadership gave full support. Senior leader Cigdem Duztepe recalled: “I said, ‘I’m in!’ without hesitation. At the time I had no idea how successful the evening would be, how many people would attend or how deeply it would resonate.”
Originally intended as a small gathering, the event quickly gained momentum. Tickets sold out at 100 places, and students urged their parents to book before it was too late.
Respect and mindfulness
The school canteen was transformed with tents, soft fabrics, candles and artefacts, creating a space of warmth and spirituality. Guests were welcomed with sincerity and open arms.
Respect and mindfulness defined the evening. Many non-Muslim staff members had fasted in solidarity, and although the tables were laden with food and drink, nobody touched a glass until the call to prayer had sounded.
Students presented information on the significance of Ramadan - emphasising charity, social connection and reflection - before leading a lively quiz that had the whole room laughing. Yassin even teased his Muslim peers when they missed a question.
Importantly, this Iftar was not a one-off. It built on wider initiatives at the school, including the creation of a dedicated prayer room during Ramadan, adjustments to rooms and schedules for students who were fasting, and assemblies and lessons in both primary and secondary where Muslim students shared personal stories.
These actions ensured that the Iftar felt part of a culture of inclusion, not a token gesture.
Authentic engagement
The most touching moment came when Ms Duztepe addressed the audience: “This is the first time I’ve celebrated Iftar with others since arriving in Luxembourg three years ago. Tonight I felt a true sense of belonging.”
There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Afterwards parents, students and staff shared how meaningful the event had been and called for more opportunities to celebrate different faiths and cultures in this way.
For Yassin, the student organiser, the success was beyond expectation: “When I first suggested the idea, I imagined maybe 10 or 12 people attending. I never thought over 100 staff, students and parents from all backgrounds would come. It was amazing to see everyone together. And best of all, the proceeds from ticket sales were donated to charity.”
So, what made the evening so powerful? It was authentic. It was student-led. It was spiritually grounded and inclusive. The goal was not to “showcase” culture but to share it. Those who attended left feeling informed, welcomed and moved.
It was not a performance. It was a celebration of humanity, unity and belonging.
Claire Nuttall is head teacher (primary) and vice-principal at St George’s International School, Luxembourg
For essential weekly intelligence on the international schools sector, sign up for the
