Wales is set to become the first country in the UK to introduce the teaching of Black, Asian and minority ethnic histories and experiences into the school curriculum.
Providing it is backed by Senedd Members, the topic is set to be added to the new school curriculum, which is set to begin in September 2022.
The move was announced by Wales’ Education Minister Jeremy Miles, to coincide with Black History Month – which is held every October in the UK.
What is Black History Month?
Black History Month takes place in the UK every October and is aimed at remembering and celebrating the achievements of black people throughout history.
It originated in the United States in the 20th century, and has been marked across the Atlantic every February since 1976, to coincide with the birthdays of former President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, a black man who escaped slavery to become one of the leaders of the abolitionist movement.
It is also observed in Republic of Ireland, Canada and the Netherlands.
Last year, the Welsh Government created a working group to look into improving teaching on minority ethnic communities.
Wales’ Education Minister, Jeremy Miles, said: “It is vitally important that our education system equips our young people to understand and respect their own and each other’s histories, cultures and traditions.
“Today’s announcement will help enrich the new curriculum, and therefore teaching in Wales, for years to come.
“The new Curriculum for Wales will empower teachers and education settings to design lessons to inspire their learners to become ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world.
“If we are to progress as a society, we must create an education system which broadens our understanding and knowledge of the many cultures which have built Wales’, and the world’s, past and present.”
On Wednesday, September 29, a statue of Betty Campbell – who became the first black headteacher in Wales – was unveiled in Cardiff.
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