Be Fair – Say No To Racism aims to raise awareness of the importance of being fair and respectful to all children in school communities, irrespective of their backgrounds.
The project comes in response to the findings of recent research
“Racism may not be a typical experience for children,but when it happens it is something that we need to take very seriously. Ignoring racism or denying its existence gives the wrong message to children,” said Professor Robbie Gilligan, associate director of the Children’s Research Centre. “The Be Fair –Say No To Racism initiative sets out to highlight that all children are different and all deserve to be treated with respect. We see it as an important contribution to the national effort to tackling bullying in all its forms”
The Be Fair project has produced a fact sheet, Children and Racism: What Can Your School Do?, which has been distributed to teachers in every primary school in Ireland in recent months. The fact sheet provides information about racism and aims to stimulate discussion among teachers and children. It also encourages schools to ensure that policies and practices are adapted to tackle racism.
Additionally, in response to feedback from teachers and children who took part in a recent study carried out by the Children’s Research Centre/TCD, the Be Fair –
Say No To Racism project is currently piloting a workbook which has been developed for teachers to use as a resource for children in 4th , 5th and 6th classes. The workbook will be available to download through the project’s website: www.befair.ie which also provides information and links on the research into racism in schools nationally and internationally.