77117 HRC inside.ps, page 1-56 @ Normalize - Human Rights ...

Suggested actions to address human rights and cultural diversityIn seeking to address human rights andcultural diversity issues the followingsuggestions for activity were putforward by the students. These havebeen arranged in action-orientatedthematic areas.Educational sectorAccessIncreasing access to educationalinstitutions was regarded as importantin achieving a fair and just society.While government had a role inensuring adequate funding of publiceducation, boards of trustees hada role presenting anomalies in thesystem. Suggestions include havingmore scholarships with the socioeconomicstatus being the criteria. Inlocal communities these initiativescould involve a cross-sectorialapproach with involvement by localgovernment, business, media, schoolsand students.CurriculaYoung people suggested, as theireducation was a preparation for theresponsibilities of citizenship and thebuilding of a culture of human rights,the following should be consideredto build understanding and raiseawareness:To promote understanding of theTreaty of Waitangi, there could beeducation components about theTreaty and a Maori world-view. Thiscould be compulsory for all students atall levels and could be integrated intoexisting disciplines.Broader perspectives about differentplaces, their people, cultures andbelief systems should be included intoexisting curricula.Schools could promote the learningof different languages. There could bemore opportunities created to learn tereo Maori.ActivitiesDays like Waitangi Day and RaceRelations Day should be celebrated.They could serve to focus discussionand reflection around cultural diversitythemes.Dedicated time could be put asidefor learning about culture. This couldinclude exploration of a culturalperformance, a talk from a personfrom a minority community or abouta specific cultural practice, reading astory about another place, learninga few words in other languages, asong or sharing food. Events could bearranged where te reo Maori languageis spoken.Celebrating the culture of the peoplesof New Zealand would allow for peopleto share in the experiences of othercommunities. For example, celebratingMatariki and Chinese New Year.To get to know different communitiesa visit to the local marae to meet withmana whenua could be organised.43