HEA Fellowship
Fellowship Achieved
We are pleased t announce that Dr Wendy Booth has achieved the status of Fellow (FHEA), which is recognised across the higher education sector, nationally and internationally.
Resources for Teaching Sustainable Development
Sustainability Sphere
Dr Wendy Booth is working on a joint project with the educationalist, Katie Brown, to develop resources to support teaching about sustainable development. We've had an amazing response so far. Please visit the website at www.sustainability-sphere.com
The British Council's Cultural Relations Essays
Reflecting on the Theory & Practice of Cultural Relations
A really insightful roundtable which highlighted the importance of cultural relations within interdisciplinary work. The contributors raised some interesting points about effective communication and inclusion, and developing trust.
Stories for Resilience
Children's Reading & Writing
To help children to cope with the impact of being in, and eventually exiting, lockdown, we are working on a project that focuses on story writing as a way of building resilience. Watch this space!
University of South Wales & Urban Circle
Funding for Scoping Research
Great news that Dr Wendy Booth and Mick Conroy, in conjunction with Loren Henry from Urban Circle, have been awarded USW Exchange Partnership and Engagement Programme funding to conduct scoping research on tolerance and diversity training.
New Curriculum Working Group
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities' Contributions
Very pleased that T-TEEMA's resources are mentioned in this important report which provides essential advice on how to equip teachers in supporting learners to become ‘ethical and informed citizens of Wales and the world’, and exploring 'the diverse experiences and contributions of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic peoples in Wales, past and present.'
Eid Al Fitr 2021
Eid Prayer
The Muslim Council of Wales, with the support of Welsh Government, Cardiff Council and Production 78, is organising Eid salah for 500 people at Cardiff Castle in the centre of the Welsh capital. Booking and Covid tests are required to take part in this unique event. The wording 'Eid Cymru' means 'Eid Wales' and is a really nice intercultural touch.
Children's Book
Ramadan in Space
This Ramadan has been really special since the release of the first children's book by Wendy Booth in March 2021, which is based on an idea by Alex Fell, illustrated by Hana Hanifah Ishwari, and produced by MySalahMat. It teaches children the Islamic concept of fasting and praying wherever you may be, along with some scientific concepts. Looking forward to the next book - watch this space!
HE Climate Action Toolkit launched
Helping universities tackle climate change
Some positive news this month, as the Climate Commission for Higher and Further Education Students and Leaders announced the launch of the Higher Education Climate Action Toolkit, which will support universities to:
"· Prepare staff and students to cope, thrive and move responsibly in a changing world, for example equip students with employable skills
· Protect biodiversity
· Work toward climate and social justice
· Lower and eliminate scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions".
Online Hate Speech Seminar
Hope not Hate and CCDH
An excellent seminar today organised by Connected Communities, Newport City Council. Owen from Hope not Hate explained the best ways of trying to shift someone away from hate and intolerance. In addition, Imran from CCDH explained online algorithms and how we should simply report and ignore hate speech, and not engage with it, as that increases its impact.
Reimagining Schools
Online Conference facilitated by SAGE publishing 28/10/20
The Reimagining Schools online conference allowed experts to share their views on cultivating equitable, anti-racist social institutions. Dr Nasima Hassan from the UK discussed issues around representation and the lack of different perspectives; in addition, she noted the importance of character education and teaching values and compassion. The other scholars are based in the US and some interesting contrasts in relation to diversity were highlighted.
Urban Circle
Akala: The Power of Education
We were pleased to attend the online seminar organised by Urban Circle Newport, at which the rapper and academic Dr Akala spoke about the ‘Power of Education’ and his views on race, class and power relations. We also heard from the panelist’s Dr Foluke Adebisi about issues related to law, and Abu-Bakr Madden Al-Shabazz, who brought home the lived experiences of racism.
BAME Helpline
EYST
We are pleased to share the news that EYST (Ethnic Minorities & Youth Support Team) has set up a helpline for the black and minority ethnic community in Wales.
See www.eyst.org.uk
Online Training
Online Training Options
Due to current restrictions on travel and gatherings, we are offering online training via Google Meet (if you prefer an alternative app please let us know). This training will focus on teaching tolerance and ethnocultural empathy through social psychology. Contact us to organise training for your institution.
Black Lives Matter
Statement on BLM
Recent events have shown us that racism has not gone away. In fact, in this era of uncertainty, it has become even easier for people to retreat into their in-groups and blame others for the problems occurring around the world. Addressing structural racism and examining the social psychology involved will go some way towards tackling this major global problem. We stand in solidarity with those seeking a just and fair system.
Covid 19
Statement on Covid 19
We are currently organising online services, and where training is organised face to face, steps will be taken to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including the provision of hand sanitiser on desks and allowing extra space between attendees.