In marking International Day of Elimination of Racial Discrimination, 21st March 2025, we wish to shine a light on Ebbw Fawr Learning Community School 鈥楬eart Work鈥� campaign. Funded by the West Gwent Community Cohesion team, the school raised awareness on prejudice and racial discrimination through numerous projects.
The project began in October 2024, to celebrate and commemorate Black History. The school increased awareness and understanding of racism and prejudice amongst school and community members through various activities throughout the month. School pupils delivered an assembly to peers which promoted cultural awareness, celebrated local connections to 乱伦大神 such as Paul Robeson along with other significant individuals who has provided global impact and contributions. Other workshops that pupils took part in throughout the month included the creation of African inspired masks, anti-racism 鈥榯able talk Tuesday鈥�: How to Be an Ally, painting diverse skin tones inspired by the work of Kehinde Wiley, along with a clay workshop which pupils created clay poppies, which allowed them to connect with history and honour the sacrifices made by individuals. This represented the theme of remembrance in our history.
To ensure pupil voice and the opportunity for leadership, the school collaborated with their student ambassadors and school groups such as cultural diversity, rights of the child and anti-bullying groups throughout this project.
The school created a bespoke mobile Art Cart as an operational resource station to offer interactive workshop in both the school and community.
During their Winter craft stall, students in leadership roles were able to engage in conversations with visitors, answer questions and share information about the crafts on offer and their cultural origins which held a deep symbolic meaning. Students also shared information about the history and symbolism behind the crafts, fostering understanding and appreciation of other cultures which enabled them to take a gentle stance against racism.
Although the school community has always embodied Welsh values of community spirit and kindness, it was important for them to open their doors to members of the community who may not have experienced the school ethos firsthand. Ebbw Fawr Learning Community School welcomed the local community to their Winter Extravaganza, which saw pupils offering support to visitors in creating arts and crafts that are celebrated around the world. Pupils and staff also went out to the community by visiting Bank House Care Home and holding a literacy and craft event in the Sports Centre for parents and toddlers, where they provided a gentle introduction to the concept of anti-racism in a friendly and creative way.
The projects supported approx. 300 community members through various events. All workshops focused on universal values like fairness, justice, empathy, and respect. Through crafting, the school were able to highlight the things that connect us as human beings, regardless of our backgrounds. From positive feedback and interest received from the community, the school is now working at developing this project further.
Most recently, students have worked with artist Matt Joyce in readiness for Refugee Awareness Week which is commemorated on the 16th 鈥� 22nd June 2025. During this work, pupils were introduced to the art of animation through the creation of a GIF. Pupils also had the chance to create their own motifs (a decorative meme) to promote their 'take' on anti-racism throughout the year.
Antonia Lane鈥� The lead for the project at Ebbw Fawr Learning Community School, expressed that the project has cemented their commitment to creating an anti-racist culture.
鈥業t has highlighted how you can fight injustices in a gentle and nurturing way without alienating people. It has led us to focus on universalist ideals like tolerance and respect. Our workshops became more than just a place to create and buy crafts; it transformed into opportunities for cultural exchange. It has elevated our position in the community as a place of refuge for those who are seeking sanctuary, that Ebbw Fawr Learning Community is an inclusive place for everyone and has highlighted that communities can use creative expression to promote anti-racism and intercultural understanding鈥�
