COLEG CAMBRIA has strengthened its international work on equality, diversity and inclusion following a week-long knowledge exchange in Canada.
Fairness and Belonging Lead Alice Churm and Learning Support Manager Sean Finnigan travelled to Vancouver as part of a funded Taith exchange programme coordinated by ColegauCymru.
The visit saw the pair develop new partnerships with Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Ending Violence Association of British Columbia, building on international collaboration established last year.
Focused on equality, inclusivity and learner wellbeing, the exchange explored ways to challenge harmful behaviours, embed trauma-informed practice and advance anti-racism across further and higher education.
During the visit, Alice and Sean delivered workshops on tackling misogyny, online misogynistic culture, trauma-informed approaches and supporting learners with additional learning needs (ALN).
In return, colleagues at KPU shared insight into their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, Anti-Racism Taskforce recommendations, accessibility strategy and work to decolonise institutional practice and strengthen engagement with Indigenous communities.
The Cambria representatives also met with EVABC, a provincial non-profit organisation leading work to combat gender-based violence, harassment and hate.
Alice said the experience reinforced the importance of international collaboration when addressing issues affecting young people and communities.
“We were incredibly fortunate to spend time with colleagues in Canada on what was an inspiring and thought-provoking visit.
“The aim was to exchange staff training and share best practice, but we gained far more than we anticipated.
“We shared the work Coleg Cambria is leading on tackling misogyny, embedding trauma-informed practice and supporting learners with additional needs.”
She added: “In turn, our partners demonstrated how they strategically approach equality, anti-racism and decolonising institutions, and how they address violence against women and girls through meaningful training and dedicated spaces.
“A powerful theme throughout the visit was understanding Canada’s colonial history and its ongoing impact on Indigenous communities. That reflection is something we are keen to bring back to Wales as we continue developing our own inclusive culture.”
Sean described the visit as “truly eye-opening” and said it highlighted the shared commitment institutions have to supporting learners, regardless of geography.
“Working alongside colleagues in Canada allowed us to see how authentically EDI can be embedded across campus life,” he said.
“Despite the distance, we are united in our commitment to meaningful learner experience and strong support systems.
“I’ve returned with a renewed perspective on intersectional approaches and how this work can be further woven into our college and local community. We’re excited to continue building these partnerships and developing the work here in Wales.”
The exchange builds on Coleg Cambria’s wider work across Wales to tackle misogyny and promote respectful relationships in further education, following Estyn’s 2023 report into peer-on-peer sexual harassment among 16 to 18-year-olds.
It also follows Alice’s visit to Montreal last year, where representatives from Welsh colleges met educators, researchers and charities working to combat gender-based violence and social polarisation.
For more information visit Coleg Cambria Student Support or email belonging@cambria.ac.uk.
