KGS pupils launch anti racism resources for all

The KGS Anti Racism Group has taken another step in its campaign to tackle the scourge of racism, presenting their school library with anti racism resources for all ages.

The books and resources were presented by the Group to KGS library staff last Thursday (14 September). Copies of the books will also go to KGS ‘feeder’ primary schools (Papdale, Glaitness, St Andrews, Burray and Hope) and the Council’s public libraries in Stromness and Kirkwall.

The KGS Anti Racism Group is supported by Theo Ogbhemhe, Teacher of Religious Moral and Philosophical Studies at KGS. Theo was named in 2021 as the first ever recipient of the Saroj Lal Award which recognises work in challenging discrimination and promoting equality.

The Group received funding earlier this year from Scottish Government’s Small Grants Fund for anti-racism work in education led by children and young people – and the new resources are just one part of a suite of actions the Group is spearheading.

Theo explains the work of the Group has been plotted by the pupils: “Together we explored the various ways we could tackle racism, and then pupils agreed on a list of some impactful and thoughtful activities, of which this is one.

“Other activities we have worked on or are planning include the ‘Making Noise Against Discrimination – Racism’ music festival, bringing anti racism speakers into the school, working to have Anti-Racism Hoodies permitted as school uniform, and writing an anti racism story book for children.

“The new resources are a mix of books for children, young people, and adults, aimed at helping them learn about and investigate racism, and how it has affected people throughout history - and how it still affects the lived experiences of some of us today.

“It is inspiring to see young people taking the responsibility to challenge discrimination and prejudice through an avenue of this nature. They are showing that they are already becoming critical thinking global citizens by using the power of education to help others understand and be aware of the practices, behaviours and processes that create injustice in the world.

“We know many, many people want to be part of efforts to tackle racism – these books have been selected to help give both young people and adults the language and sensitivity they need to talk about racism, and an understanding of what each one of us can do to eradicate it.”

Lindsay Thompson, English Teacher at KGS, said: “We are so grateful for all the hard work of the KGS anti-racism group, who are presenting KGS library with a collection of anti-racism books. It is so important that we strive to have a diverse selection of reading material so that everyone in our school feels seen and represented.”

Following are some comments from pupils on the KGS Anti Racism Group:

I think it is a good idea to donate the anti-racism books to the KGS library, because it’ll give students and those who visit the library the opportunity to educate themselves and see the need to be kind and respectful to those who are different or from different races as them. Brandon Tait (S2)

We agreed that it was important to give the library anti-racism books because this can help us promote the need for us all to be anti-racists. Also, some people are unconsciously racist, and this is because of ignorance. The knowledge from the books will go a long way in helping with the above. Leia Wright (S1)

I am excited for this presentation because it provides more anti-racism materials to show students how much their biases have no basis in fact. Iona Dundas (S5)

I think people need to know not to be racist. I think this is a good thing and I’m glad that this is happening. Rico Jones (S1)