Commissioner backs cultural awareness project

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd has granted funding to a project that aims to build cultural awareness and understanding among children and young people.

Delivered by Newport-based Cynefin Pamoja, the project is working with primary schools in Gwent to deliver sessions exploring a range of issues, including the religious customs celebrated in Wales, cultural identities, and how young people can speak out if they experience bullying or hatred.

The workshops are designed to help young people from different backgrounds better understand each other’s cultures, while giving them the confidence to speak out about issues that affect them.

The project supports the priorities set out in the Commissioner’s Police, Crime and Justice Plan and is partially funded using money recovered from the proceeds of crime. Community groups can apply to the fund for grants ranging from £1,000 to £50,000 to support local initiatives.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd said: “Gwent has a growing and diverse population. Our schools are made up of children and young people from many different countries, cultures and backgrounds.

“The sessions delivered by Cynefin Pamoja support the work teachers are doing in the classroom. They help young people to understand and respect each other’s cultures, while also recognising the shared values and sense of community that bring us together here in Gwent.

“They are building understanding and mutual respect between young people, helping to create school communities where difference is valued, bullying and hatred are challenged, and every child feels able to belong.”