Meet the founder of MARS

In the current political climate, it’s more important than ever for ethnic minorities to have a safe and inclusive space. That’s where Adam Ali, a student at City of Glasgow College and the founder of the Multi-cultural & Anti Racism Society (MARS), comes in.  

MARS is all about the celebration of cultural diversity and creating a platform for meaningful conversations and actions. Adam explained why he wanted to start MARS.  

“I originally established my high school’s student anti-racism association, and when I came to college, I wanted to continue that work by creating a space dedicated to both anti-racism and multicultural celebration,” he stated. “I also knew there was already an interest in a multicultural society here at college, so bringing those ideas together felt like a natural next step.”  

MARS is a new society, having only just been set up this year. Adam shared what the process had been like so far.  

“Although we’ve had a relatively slow start, with just a few people attending our early meetings, it’s been positive overall,” he said. “The focus right now is spreading the word and making sure students know MARS exists.  I’m confident that there are lots of students who are passionate about anti-racism and multicultural celebration, they just need to know there’s a place for them here.”  

There is always room for improvement when it comes to inclusivity in further and higher education. Adam shared some of the hopes he has for the next academic year.  

“This year, our goal is to strengthen our community and make MARS a space where students can learn, connect, and celebrate together,” he said. “We’re planning a range of activities that combine education, creativity, and social engagement, including cultural workshops, discussion sessions, film screenings, and social events that bring people from all backgrounds together. Through these events, we hope to promote understanding, encourage dialogue, and create opportunities for students to share their cultures while deepening awareness around issues of race, equality, and inclusion.”  

Not everyone understands how crucial societies like MARS are. Adam explained the importance of having spaces for ethic minority students.  

“Networks, societies, and clubs like MARS are incredibly valuable for students of colour and BAME students because they provide a sense of community, belonging, and understanding. They create spaces where students can share experiences, support one another, and learn collaboratively. Having that network of peers can make a huge difference, not only socially, but also academically, as students feel more confident, included, and motivated to succeed.” 

MARS is open to all students who are interested in learning about anti-racism and multiculturalism. If you’re interested in joining, you can find more information on their networks page. Discover all the networks and sports clubs you can join on our homepage.