Schools can raise awareness and help tackle Islamophobia A new resource to help schools tackle Islamophobia has been launched. Children’s Commissioner for Wales Professor Sally Holland explains why
IT WAS with a group of young people in Cardiff, that the issue of Islamophobia was first raised with me in my role as Children’s Commissioner.
I had recently started in post and was undertaking a consultation asking children and young people to help set my priorities.
Members of the group spoke about a range of issues: some wanted better access to opportunities, others wanted more places to spend free time and improved mental health support.
But there was one issue that resonated with every young person in the room. When I asked them, many of whom were Muslim, if they had any concerns related to their faith, the response was overwhelming.
They all had views on how Islam was portrayed in the media and the sometimes distorted views that nonMuslim peers had about their religion.
Many had experienced racist abuse. This, as I learned, was common.
I’ve listened to young Muslims who have been called terrorists at school, been told to “go back to your own country” and told to take off headscarves in the street.
Many raised concerns about how Islam is perceived by others and how this makes them feel.
All young people face challenges: exam stress; navigating the digital world; managing relationships; but our young Muslims have to face an increasing rate of Islamophobia woven in to their day to day lives.
UK Government figures show religious hate crime has risen in the past year. The charity Show Racism the Red Card has had an increase in calls from teachers in Wales dealing with racism and Islamophobia. It’s not surprising. Islamophobia is a problem across Europe and has been amplified in Britain over the last two years by debates on Brexit and the actions of some world leaders. Young Muslims I have spoken to are concerned that, if more isn’t done to highlight this issue, it will get worse.
For this reason, I’ve worked with some young Muslims to develop a resource to help raise awareness of, and tackle this issue in schools.
It consists of three lesson plans, all linked to outcomes of the curriculum, that I hope will increase pupils’ understanding of Islam, underline the harm caused by Islamophobia, and give pupils an opportunity to hear directly from Muslim peers.
Through discussion of hobbies and interests the resource also demonstrates how much young people from Wales have in common, while also celebrating diversity.
This resource has given young Muslims an opportunity to describe themselves and their religion in their own words through video.
It presents views of Welsh Muslims, views spoken in Welsh accents, views spoken through the medium of Welsh. I want children and young people to know that this isn’t an issue that happens far away.
Islamophobia happens here in Wales.
Teachers have told us it is an “excellent resource” that allowed them to tackle a sensitive issue in a “balanced, varied and enjoyable” way.
Pupils have also been positive. One year nine pupil said that they were “unaware of the huge impact this problem has on people’s lives” before using the resource. Another said they were “more likely to notice media stereotyping” after taking part in the lessons.
My work is guided by the UN convention on the rights of the child; a list of human rights that all children and young people have, including rights to be safe and follow their religion.
I want all schools in Wales to be built on foundations of children’s rights: places that value equality, promote diversity, celebrate differences and allow all children to succeed.
Of course, it isn’t just for schools to tackle Islamophobia. It is a duty on every one of us.