Race Equality

We are absolutely committed to our race equality and diversity work. Indeed, the majority of our projects focus on this. Our experience in this area is extensive.

The majority of our race equality work takes place in Tower Hamlets, where we have been commissioned by the L.E.A. to provide race equality training and workshops in schools. We have also provided workshops for other departments within the council and for local residents. Our projects have contributed to Tower Hamlets gaining beacon status for their work on community cohesion in the borough.

We are now branching out into other London boroughs and to date have worked with over 20,000 pupils.

Race Equality Workshop Project
Key Stage 2

Session Details - The Workshop Day

Chinwag's actor/facilitators work with each class over the course of a whole school day, split into three distinct sections, providing a safe environment for participants to examine issues around equality and racism. A Teachers Pack is supplied giving the potential for follow on work in the classroom.

Section One - Celebrating Diversity

Using a series of drama games, this part of the workshop day encourages better communication and team working, whilst identifying and celebrating diversity within the class. This is an excellent opportunity for pupils to find out more about their classmates and explore the things that make us different within a positive setting. At the same time it gives pupils the chance to find common ground by concentrating on the interests they might share.

Section Two - What is Racism?

This part of the day looks at various questions, including:

• What is the behaviour known as "racism"?
• How can we recognise this behaviour?
• What impact does racism have on us as a school and as a community?
• Who can we talk to about racism?

Section Three - How Can We Stop Racism in School?

This final section uses forum theatre techniques to play out common scenarios around the themes of racism, particularly relevant to the school environment. There is an opportunity for the group to question the characters (played by the actors), so that pupils gain a better understanding and awareness of their classmates' thoughts and feelings. They are then encouraged to work together to find solutions to the problems they have been shown, leading to open discussion and debate. Finally, there is an opportunity to see these solutions played out by the actors, allowing them to witness the positive outcomes of their choices.