Show of support for Kirkcaldy school after vile abuse over its diversity day project
A Kirkcaldy primary school which saw its diversity project become the subject of appalling racist abuse online has been given the support of Melanie Ward, MP.
She visited Dunnikier Primary recently, and met with children and staff to show her support.
She also discussed the importance of diversity and why learning about each other’s family stories and backgrounds is important in truly understanding each other.
The pupils had produced an impressive display of artwork inspired by the theme, with each piece reflecting a personal perspective on what diversity means to them. In many of the drawings, the children represented their love for Scotland as well as the importance of their family’s heritage, whether that is only British, or from countries such as Ireland, Pakistan, South Africa and Poland. Like much of the population, many children also have a mixed heritage. Others wanted to grow understanding about features which make them different, such as Albinism.
The visit came in direct response to the appalling comments posted online - many coming from people from other parts of the UK than Fife.
Both the school and Ms Ward used this moment to reaffirm the value of the work being done in classrooms to help young people understand and embrace the fact that no matter our differences, we continue to have more in common with each other.
Ms Ward said: “Dunnikier Primary is doing great work in our community. Many of us, if not most of us, have family stories from different countries.
“In my own case, I have ancestors who came from both Ireland and Poland, as well as Scotland and England. We have nothing to fear from understanding each other and our family stories. That’s why the reaction the school received online to their Diversity Day was so disappointing.
““Hearing the children talk about themselves and their families, including about disabilities and family loss, as well as culture and religion modelled healthy, respectful and inclusive relationships between different people. It also demonstrated that we have more in common with each other than anything else. The children also showed me beautiful artwork which highlighted their love for Scotland as well as their family stories.”