A youth-led charity’s scheme tackling racism in schools in Bexley will expand and continue for two years – thanks to new funding.
Erith-based Active Horizons offers leadership training to equip young people as ‘youth ambassadors’, to help them to challenge the racism which its founder says has increased over the past decade.
The scheme has been running in two Bexley schools but will now expand to two more, thanks to a £97,600 grant from City Bridge Trust – the City of London Corporation’s charity funder.
Active Horizons was set up to support young black and minority ethnic people and those from disadvantaged backgrounds by Yeukai Taruvinga, inspired by her own struggles after coming to the UK as a refugee from Zimbabwe.
City Bridge Trust Chairman Giles Shilson said:
“It’s sad that in 2022 we’re still talking about this issue, but unfortunately racism – conscious or unconscious – does still exist in schools, as in the rest of society.
“The way Yeukai has used her own experience to help others is really inspiring, and this scheme is a forward-thinking way of giving a voice to young people to challenge racism whether they witness it, are informed about it or experience it first-hand.”
Active Horizons has previously worked with Townley Grammar School, in Bexleyheath, and King Henry School, in Erith. The scheme includes one-to-one training for young people, training for staff and mediation sessions where victims of racism come face to face with perpetrators.
Active Horizons Founder and Director Yeukai Taruvinga said:
“Racism has become more of an issue in the last 10 years. Sometimes I feel it’s because we don’t feel comfortable in talking about it as a community.
“This scheme improves young people’s confidence in their own identity and their ability to speak out on racism – and to empower their peers to do the same.
“It helps students to enjoy their learning without experiencing prejudice or racism, and supports schools in adopting a zero-tolerance approach.”
