Students bent on fighting racism and encouraging cultural diversity

By Sherry Martell
Truro Daily News
River John - A group of students in River John is bringing the fight against racism to their school and are encouraging others to embrace cultural diversity.
River John Consolidated School students, who founded the River John United Nations committee to increase cultural awareness in their small community, recently organized a United Nations Day celebration.
"The event was originally focused on the elimination of racial discrimination but we wanted to do something much broader and introduce a variety of cultures," said Rachel Joudrie, junior high student and committee spokeswoman.
She said the group felt it was important to showcase aspects of different cultures, especially from more exotic locations, because there are limited opportunities for students to experience cultural diversity in their small rural community.
"We want them to be more aware of other cultures and what other people go through," said Rachel.
"We want them to know that what they have is a gift and everybody needs to be treated the same way in life with respect."
As part of the celebration, students were offered an opportunity to sample foods from around the world including a spicy Lebanese flat bread.
Henderson Paris, New Glasgow native and founder of the Run Against Racism, was a special guest speaker during the event. He talked about his 19-year quest to eliminate racial discrimination.
"We're really excited about today and we hope everybody will learn something from it," said Rachel.
A delegation of four students from the River John School participated in a United Nations event in New Glasgow in October last year, providing an opportunity to learn about multiculturalism and ways to promote the elimination of racial discrimination.
The small group returned to River John with several goals, such as hosting a UN day at their school and to create the local committee, which now boasts of eight active members.

smartell.news@ns.sympatico.ca