EQUALITY COMMISSION LAUNCH GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE

EDUCATION Minister, Martin McGuinness, has launched the Equality Commission’s Good Practice Guide on Racial Equality in Education.

Speaking at the launch at St Mary’s University College, Belfast, Mr McGuinness said society faced a real challenge to change deep-seated ignorance, and he had no doubt that education has a big part to play in this.

He said: “We must aim to create a culture of zero tolerance for any manifestation of racism within our schools and the Youth Service, and to play an active part in creating the same culture in wider society.

"The crux is promoting a culture of inclusion within schools - where the education process operates as an effective partnership between schools’ staff, parents and pupils. Such a partnership can then be reflected in the school’s ethos."

With regard to the Youth Service, Mr McGuinness said that he and the Department would make every effort to work towards a Youth Service which was fully inclusive and where individual young people, irrespective of who or what they are, could develop personally and socially in safe and enjoyable environments.

Mr McGuinness welcomed the Equality Commission’s Guide which he said provided an excellent foundation to help achieve these objectives.

(MB)