Round Table Talk Part 2

“Parents, how do we make our children identify with their culture & advocate their culture?”

We have had three round tables that discuss Diversity and Inclusion in Primary schools. They consisted of over 30 parents who have had children in both Independent and state schools. The first-round table discussed issues of diversity and inclusion in primary schools. Also, it discussed ways to help resolve it.

This round table expands on the first one. It focuses on how African children can identify with their cultural heritage, and questions what we, the parents, can do as a community to educate our society about African culture.

This question focused on ways to help our children identify with their culture.

Parents shared intriguing and interesting ideas that will help their African children understand and love their culture.

 Some parents pointed out the idea of surrounding their kids more frequently with their African friends and families so they grow up with people they can identify with. Other parents shared the importance of having their children's grandparents in their lives to inculcate their traditions and custom. 

Other ideas included reading more diverse storybooks and watching TV programs that teach them about their respective country and cultures. Also investing in formal tuition to advance them in their learning and knowledge.

Furthermore, there was a consensus that parents need to be role models for their children. Some parents argued that their children need to see their parents as a “confident woman/man”.  Parents believed, by portraying themselves as a desirable model, their children will subconsciously respect and appreciate their culture.

The second question allowed parents to share ideas on ways in advocating African culture in our society.

Parents voiced that for the African community to have an impact on society, they need to be confident in their own culture. However, it was acknowledged that we often view African culture as inferior to others, consequently, we subconsciously start to hide our culture. We, therefore, need to tackle this complex and then be consistent in portraying our culture with pride. Parents cannot give what they do not have.

Parents believed that Africa is often depicted on social media as a poor continent. Consequently, children begin to devalue their culture because of how it is presented in the media. Therefore, parents need to consciously protect their children from the media and well as inculcate cultural knowledge and teachings from the home. It is also warned that parents should not be quick to discard their traditions and customs to "fit it"

Additionally, some parents advised that they tend to isolate themselves and fail to connect with other African parents. Thus, there was a suggestion for African parents to unit and grow a stronger voice, which will be useful when address issues such as Diversity and Inclusion.

Although the consensus around the table was that parents have a significant role in promoting African culture, several parents contended that there was an unfair requirement upon parents and a lack of accountability in the schools. To challenge school for diversity, fairness, equality, and appreciation of our African culture. However, it was also highlighted that the deployment of a fair and diverse curriculum in our UK primary schools will be challenging and requires diligence and persistence.

 In conclusion, this round table emphasised that to advocate our culture within society, we, the parents, need to embrace it and show pride and confidence. Also, for our children to grow up identifying with their African culture, we need to show them that African culture is something to be proud of.