HWDSB Launches Human Rights Education Initiative, Learn.Disrupt.Rebuild
Hamilton, Ontario – April 30, 2021: Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board has launched an inclusive and culturally responsive education program to address the impacts of the pandemic and social inequities it has intensified.
To enhance our human rights education instruction, a team of dedicated staff were hired to create a series of culturally relevant and responsive lessons. These lessons, informed by our community, are called Learn.Disrupt.Rebuild@HWDSB: Building a Community of Care.
Launched this year, the program aligns with HWDSB’s Board Annual Plan and Equity Action Plan as it support students and staff on topics related to human rights, equity and mental health during the pandemic. All content aligns with the Ontario Curriculum and Ministry of Education directions.
“At HWDSB, we know COVID-19 has highlighted two pandemics in our society: one related to the virus itself, and one related to social inequities the virus intensified, like anti-Black and anti-Asian racism,” said Director of Education Manny Figueiredo.
“HWDSB is committed to developing safer, more equitable and more inclusive learning environments – and schools have an important role in this.”
Students will learn that who they are – their identity – is an important part of their learning and well-being. The goal is for students to understand who they are, speak up when things are unfair, and to help create a safer learning experience for everyone.
“It’s encouraging to know that HWDSB is enhancing education on equity and human rights when the world is facing up to systemic discrimination,” said Student Trustee Ethan Hesler. “The lessons have been excellent so far and I appreciate this being taught in my classes.”
Learn.Disrupt.Rebuild is one of many equity initiatives outlined in HWDSB’s Equity Action Plan, which also includes the 2021 student census, 2020 employment equity audit, 2019 staff census and much more. Learn more at hwdsb.info/LearnDisruptRebuild and see an infographic.
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Media Contact:
Shawn McKillop, APR
Manager, Communications and Community Engagement
905.515.6227 | [email protected]
Updated on Friday, September 24, 2021.