The British Council has harped on the importance of understanding differences and empathising with alternative perspectives to find ways to build trust between people and nations.
In a publication titled ‘Schools Connect: Creating More Inclusive Schooling’, edited by Susan Douglas.
In a Foreword, Mark Herbert, Global Head of Schools, TVET and NFE, said acting to make education systems more inclusive is essential whether this is in response to the challenges of socio-economic disparities, conflicts, mass migration, evidence of increased nationalism or the seeming desire to close off from, rather than to open ourselves up to, diversity.
“Inclusion is at the heart of what we do at the British Council and the core of our cultural relations mission.
“It represents mutual trust, respect and understanding and is integral to the success of every student, every business and indeed every country – enabling us all to draw on the widest possible field of talent, skills and inspiration.
“At the British Council we focus on six areas of diversity, aligned to those protected by UK equality legislation: age, disability, ethnicity or race, gender, religion or belief and sexual identity.
“We recognise that these different areas intersect and, together with other characteristics such as socio-economic status and geographical location, form our multifaceted identities.
“At a time when the world is facing great challenges, we believe that it is even more important to understand differences, empathise with alternative perspectives and find ways to build trust between people and nations,” Mr Herbert said.
The publication contains thought pieces, insights and case studies that focus on research and evidence related to creating more inclusive schools and that are relevant to local and global contexts.
“They cover a wide variety of issues relating to groups of pupils that are not always included into the regular education systems in their countries.”
