RESPECT Week Round Up 2024

The week kicked off with an inspiring talk from local celebrity and entrepreneur Sheli McCoy, you may also know her as Gladiator Sabre.  Sheli shared her personal journey of resilience and success while emphasising the importance of self-respect and respect for others. Her message set the tone for a week filled with activities across our three campuses.   

Throughout the week students took part in more than 50 activities, delivered by expert partners, designed to help them build skills for life and work.  These activities, along with our whole college Respect Campaign, promote a culture of respect and tolerance, empowering our students to challenge stereotypes and biases, both now, and in their futures.

Katie Baxter, Learner and Community Engagement Manager, said: “By participating in Respect Week activities, we hope our students are better prepared to navigate and contribute positively to the modern world.”

One key focus for RESPECT Week was volunteering, where students learned about the importance of giving back to the community and the personal and professional benefits of doing so.  Students discovered how volunteering not only strengthens local communities but also builds essential workplace skills like leadership and communication, making them more adaptable and employable.

Sustainability was also on the agenda for this week with sessions to support our students to understand what climate change means and how it can impact their day to day lives.  Our Hospitality and Professional Cookery students explored ‘Farm to Fork’ practices and the environmental impact of sourcing food, with local Farmers and farming expert, Gill Lawrie. This gave them a deeper understanding into how their future careers in the food industry can contribute towards a more sustainable economy and giving them insights into ethical decision making.  In a separate session students engaged with how climate change links to the cost of living crisis to broaden their understanding of global challenges and how they can play an active role in addressing these.  

One of our students said, “I didn’t realise that Angus was so important and that it was known across the world for its food and history, this has really opened my eyes to what my wee town has to offer.”

Personal wellbeing also played a significant role in the week’s activities. Students explored strategies to manage everyday challenges by creating personal toolboxes for selfcare. In sessions around gambling addiction and behaviours, consent and healthy relationships, LGBTQIA and drugs education, students discovered self-management and resilience, especially in relation to stress and mental health.

Industry-specific workshops were created to enhance student CPD (Continued Professional Development). Our beauty students delved into the rich history and intricate techniques of traditional henna, guided by a renowned expert Zahira Anwar. Our Health & Social Care students engaged in a comprehensive workshop on HIV/AIDS, led by the NHS Blood Borne Viruses team, equipping them with essential knowledge to support the increasing number of individuals living with HIV in care homes. Additionally, our Police Studies and Social Science students had an enlightening presentation on Black History Month, delivered by a distinguished historian, Dr Amy Tait Westwell, broadening their understanding of significant historical narratives.

The key theme of RESPECT Week culminated with a powerful story from Vitaliy Diakov, Founder of Ukrainians Together, who fled the war in Ukraine and settled in Dundee.  His personal story gave our students the opportunity to understand the real power of resilience and community through developing empathy and adaptability.  His experiences gave students a new perspective on the importance of respect and inclusion, not just within the College but as a value to carry with them into the workplace and the wider community.

Vitaliy Diakov, said: “The collaborative work of the College and local community has a huge impact on people's lives. Thank you for welcoming us to D&A.”

One of our students said, “This has really showed me why some people have come to live here, they want to keep their families safe, and they want to live somewhere where they are free from harm.  I now understand a lot more about why they have chosen to come here and why at work there are people from different countries working there too.”

During Respect Week, students were encouraged to broaden their perspectives and embrace diversity. This initiative not only enhances their interpersonal skills but also cultivates empathy and inclusivity, and essential qualities for employability in today’s interconnected world.

Dundee & Angus College is proud to be a place where everyone is welcomed, valued and supported.  Through initiatives like RESPECT Week, the College continues to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in both life and work.