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OUR Cultural Diversity Education Programme

Overview
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The programme uses learner-centred activities to expose learners to the concepts of respect for human diversity, values, ethics, and social justice. Museum exhibits and other materials are used to encourage learner competence, critical thinking and social participation. The 3.5-hour programme is designed to support the Life Skills and Life Orientation curricula for Upper Primary and Junior High schools.

 

Primary objectives of the programme and curriculum alignment:

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  • To produce strategies for the creation of an anti-bullying culture in schools

  • To develop a demonstrable understanding of the major religions and cultures in South Africa and their commonalities

  • To break down interpersonal barriers and promote activism towards social cohesion

  • To develop individual coping, social and communication skills as well as improved resilience and self-esteem

  • To foster personal values that result in ethical decisions and acts of kindness

  • To instil an appreciation of human rights, social justice, and the responsibilities of citizens in a democracy

 

Themes of the programme
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  1. Bullying

  2. Stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination

  3. Religious and cultural tolerance

  4. Immigration

  5. Personal values and ethics

 

Focus on bullying
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The aim of the anti-bullying module is to invite schools to create an entire culture that is strongly against bullying. The module is forms a solid starting point for what students and teachers can put into place for themselves. We start by looking at the issue of bullying from all angles. Motives and emotions of bullies, targets and bystanders are explored. We practise activities that promote healthy self-esteem and resilience. Children are encouraged to find solutions to hypothetical scenarios. Finally, they contribute their own concrete rules and suggestions to fight bullying at their own school.

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Why the workshop on bullying?
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Over the last few years, the world has begun to take the issue of bullying far more seriously. Bullying incidents have clearly shown to result in high levels of depression, self-harm and even suicide among today’s youth. At the SAJM, our visiting school students increasingly shared their own experiences of bullying, and their teachers spoke to us of the ever-growing problem at their schools. We saw that the broader issues of prejudice, discrimination and xenophobia we talk about on our programme were being mirrored on a much more personal level. It is crucial to focus those discussions on something relatable - the everyday experiences in children’s lives.

 

What you need to know
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  • The programme is free of charge for all schools.

  • Bus subsidies and lunch are provided for schools from underprivileged areas. 

  • The programme runs for 3.5 hours including a break.

  • Up to 60 learners can be accommodated per visit.

  • Schools receive support material before and after the visit.

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