Words by Smiley Team
To tackle high levels of racism in Irish schools, young Black campaigners recently gained the support of the ethical cosmetics company, Lush. Together they hope to introduce anti-racism training for educators across all schools in Ireland.
From today until 20 February, Lush shops across the country will redecorate their window displays to show support for a more inclusive curriculum. The company will also donate all profits from its ‘knowledge bomb’, a book-shaped bath bomb scented like vanilla.
Black & Irish’s Black Inclusive Curriculum Ireland calls on policymakers to help teachers tackle racism in schools. To do so, it promotes empathy and techniques to recognise and overcome bias.
“It is vital that teachers are trained so that they can ensure their classrooms are truly safe and inclusive spaces,” says Black & Irish.
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“Every child in Ireland has a right to feel safe in their educational environment and training like ours is an important step. We are so excited to be partnering with LUSH to make anti-racism teacher training in Ireland a reality,” it adds.
Around 94% of Irish students who are Black, Indigenous or People of Colour (BIPOC) said they had experienced racism, in a recent survey. Meanwhile, 99% of teachers believe they are actively having to create more inclusive spaces in schools.
Four in five of these teachers also said they could benefit from inclusivity training - a finding, which supports the case for a Black Inclusive Curriculum in Ireland.
To support the cause buy a Knowledge Bomb from €8.00 from stores in Ireland.
For more information about Black & Irish visit blackandirish.com.
