ActionAid welcomes moves to promote anti-racist work in schools, but is concerned that existing curriculum areas which promote racial awareness are currently not fully implemented. For example, the literacy hour requires children to read books from other cultures during their primary schooling. But how many do?
Westminster University research demonstrates that positive images of black people positively affect the racial attitudes of all children. However, many teachers have difficulty accessing such books from mainstream publishers and are turning to voluntary organisations. The challenge requires a response across the educational sector, not just from charities.
Steve Brace
ActionAid
Hamlyn House
Macdonald Road ,London N19
