Using everyday experiences of name-calling or racism described by children from Cathays High School in Cardiff, Wales’ children’s commissioner Sally Holland has developed a new resource for schools including videos and lesson plans to help teenagers understand the rights of all young people and to reinforce the point that young Muslims in Wales have the same rights as others.
Tackling Islamophobia: A children’s rights resource for secondary schools in Wales consists of three PSE sessions designed to raise awareness of Islamophobia, tackle common myths and misconceptions about Islam, and present the real-life experiences of young Muslims in Wales.
In short films created for the project Muslim pupils describe being called “terrorist” and “Paki”, and one says he is afraid for his mother when she goes out in the street.
The key stage 3 resource aims to inform pupils about their rights and the role of the children’s commissioner for Wales, to increase knowledge of Islam, understanding of discrimination and the right to religion, and to challenge negative stereotypes.
Ms Holland said: “I’ve spoken to young Muslims from across Wales who’ve told me that they’re often scared in their communities, that they’ve directly experienced abuse at school, and that they’re tired of the way Islam is often portrayed by the media, and the effect this has on the views of their non-Muslim peers.
“We know teachers can sometimes feel unsure and nervous about delivering lessons on topics like this, and I hope this resource gives teachers the necessary guidance and support.”
The resource was developed with the support of Show Racism the Red Card and Ethnic Youth Support Team (EYST) Wales.
- For the resource and further details, visit www.childcomwales.org.uk