Nominations open for GTCS Saroj Lal Award 2022
Date: 12 August 2022
Nominations are being sought for educators who go the extra mile in their endeavour to embrace equality and diversity for the second annual GTCS Saroj Lal Award.
Orkney teacher Theo Ogbhemhe, from Kirkwall Grammar School, was named as the first-ever recipient of the annual award in 2021 in recognition of his outstanding work in challenging discrimination and promoting equality, making society a better place for everyone.
The General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) Saroj Lal Award for a Pioneering Spirit in Equality and Diversity is named in memory of Saroj Lal, who was a pioneering Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic teacher in Edinburgh in the early 1970s before going on to a lifelong career as an activist and campaigner in race relations.
Saroj was a trailblazer, working at the forefront of multicultural and anti-racist education in its infancy and laying the foundations for many others to build on.
Her son and award panellist, Vineet Lal, said: “Theo was a very deserving winner of the first ever award and set a very high standard which we are confident can be emulated once more as we look for nominations and entries for 2022.
“I am looking forward to reading of all the great work going on by our educators among our young people – educators who hold in their hands the power to end discrimination and ensure equality for all.”
Theo, who teaches Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies, said at the time: “I do what I do because it is the right thing. This award means such a lot to me and the fact that it is the ‘very first’ one is an icing on the cake. It amongst other things shows that there is a good argument for the acceptance of a positive, inclusive and forward- thinking culture and mind-set. One that promotes and facilitates equality and diversity, and actively challenges discrimination.”
GTCS are seeking nominations for the 2022 award with the aim “to recognise teachers who exceed expectations and demonstrate a pioneering spirit, show determination and challenge adversity in efforts to promote and facilitate a culture and ethos of equality and diversity and actively challenge discrimination”.
The deadline for nominations is 1 September 2022.
Full details are on the GTCS website:
This short video (produced by Show Racism the Red Card) is a useful introduction to Saroj and her work. It’s entirely focused on Saroj’s role in education:
