During my first week at Sidcot in September 2023, a few new friends encouraged me to attend an Afro-Caribbean Society (ACS) meeting. Eager to socialise with more people and find out about what this student-led after-school club entailed, I found myself in the picturesque Old Library on a Wednesday afternoon, listening to powerful discussions on how we could continue to improve equality, diversity and inclusivity values at Sidcot school.
We started off as a very small group that term, with only about five members. For me, one meeting became two, two became three, and before I knew it, I was Vice President of our small but impactful society. Our first major order of business at the time was planning the Black History Month Assembly and relevant events that would take place after it. We brainstormed lots of ideas with the support of the Equality Office Holders and really emphasised how we could keep the Junior School involved as well.
A few weeks later, we delivered our assembly to both Junior and Senior students, which was such a success. Lots of people came up to us and told us how much they enjoyed it and how much they learned from it. As a team, we felt such a feeling of accomplishment. As the weeks went by, we grew in numbers, and now we represent over 15 different nationalities.
It’s truly surprising to see how our small intercultural conversations broke barriers and confronted harmful stereotypes, allowing for mutual respect and understanding of the different practices, people and ways of living all over the world. I’ve loved my time at ACS, and I really do encourage my peers to get involved in societies with similar values, surprising themselves with the positive changes they’re able to make within and beyond their school community.
Onyinye
Head Student
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