Our work, as diversity consultants and global learning specialists, is BAME focussed and takes us into schools and communities to deliver anti-racism work. We run a training programme with BAME pupils, empowering them to be Youth Cultural Champions, proud and confident to tell their stories and claim their rightful place in their worlds. We also work empowering BAME adults, whom we train to be Cultural Champions. They are invited into schools and communities to engage personally with pupils and adults, sharing their stories and experiences.
Our innovative approach engages the head, heart and mind, recognising already existing resilience in communities and individuals, and building on that. Our recent projects show this: ‘Celebrate Exeter’s Diver-city’ projects 2017- 2019; ‘Telling Our Stories, Finding Our Roots: Devon’s Multi-cultural History’ HLF funded, working in 3 Devon towns; ‘Celebrating Windrush in Devon’ in 2019 and 2020.
A significant and successful project was ‘Building a Stronger Britain Together’, 2017-19, funded by the Home Office, working with Year 8 BAME pupils, vulnerable white young people, whole year group and teachers, including Senior Leadership. Without exception the white staff and pupils had no concept of the extent of racism experienced by pupils. This has led to improvements for all.
Through our work, we have created a community of BAME adults, young people and white allies, so with the challenge of Covid-19 and the groundswell of BLM, we have been in the forefront leading vigils and supporting BAME members, across Devon.