Students from Stratford-upon-Avon College united for this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and took part in an event to promote learning and solidarity.
The Student Enrichment team set up a pop-up display in the reception area of the college to engage with staff, students and visitors.
The display contained information about the day and how The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination came about. It also involved an activity which challenged participants to match up response to actions which involved some kind of racism.
The trick here though was that every response could be applied to every action depending on the person’s confidence to intervene. For example, if you feel able to speak up and intervene there was that option. If you didn’t feel confident doing that, then you could speak to someone else like the police. It highlighted that any action you take can help the situation.
There was a mixture of activities for people to take part in to engage with the event
There was also a participation project where people could sign their names on a hand to show their support for the cause.
Vic Gwozdz, 17, is the Stratford Student Rep and assisted in the running of the event. She commented: “It is so important to be involved because racism is still an issue and it’s important to recognise that and make sure everyone feels included.”
Student Enrichment Officer, Sam Bansal, discussed how important this event was: “It is so important for students to know they can stand up to racism at whatever age. This event was titled Youth Against Racism. Young people have shown how active and engaged they can be with human rights issues. You are never too young to stand up for what you believe in.”
The event engaged a whole range of staff and students with many people pledging their support
