#SRtRCSpotlight: Gary Bennett & Kevin Ball visit Valley Road Academy
Our North East team started off their week of education delivery with a powerful anti-racism assembly at Valley Road Academy in Hendon, Sunderland.
Bringing together the young students and SAFC legends & SRtRC ambassadors Gary Bennett and Kevin Ball, the aim of the assembly was to help the young people understand their role as a global citizen & the power they hold in identifying the role of racism in everyday life.
The former defensive duo spoke passionately about the ongoing fight against racism in sport and the wider society, emphasising the importance of education and awareness in creating change. Our message highlighted how everyone has a role in promoting equality and inclusivity, inspiring young minds to stand against prejudice and embrace diversity in their communities.
Gary shared his lived experiences of racism and how important anti-racism education is the solution to the issue of racism:
It’s very important to get into schools with our anti-racism message. Young people are our future and hopefully they will be able to take the message on…Education is key.”
Click the video below to hear what Gary Bennett & the IRIS Learning Trust’s CEO, Debra Walker, have to say on the importance of having anti-racism education (courtesy of the Sunderland Echo):
Our North East team will continue their education work with Valley Road Academy, by wrapping up the week with a day of anti-racism and discrimination activities taking place on Friday (November 29) with Year 5 and 6 pupils.
If your school/organisation is based in the North East, click here to see what our North East team covers.