The importance of cultural diversity in children.

Hi! I am Jenn

Member from Timmy and Tammy team, I am from Colombia.

Being away from home has given me numerous experiences and emotions. Here in Australia, literally on the other side of the world, I've found a "home" thanks to the wonderful people I've encountered—some are natives, while others come from various corners of the globe. This experience has profoundly enriched my spirit. I've delved into diverse cultures, flavors, and encountered different types of people. Presently, I work as a Tammy nanny for a delightful family of Indian descent, and I also work in a kindergarten. Witnessing the daily growth of these little ones fills me with joy. Moreover, during Harmony Week, celebrating cultural diversity, their parents find solace in knowing that their children thrive in an environment where different cultures are embraced, fostering a sense of unity and respect.

But what makes inclusion important for children? Let me explain below:

I joined a Colombian folklore dance group

Now I have the opportunity to show the world much more of my beautiful country Colombia where I grew up and is always in my heart.

1.  Promotes respect and tolerance: Exposing children to diverse cultures from an early age helps them to understand and respect differences between people. This fosters an attitude of openness and tolerance towards those who are different from them.

2.       Develops empathy: By learning about diverse cultures, children can put themselves in other people's shoes and understand their experiences and perspectives. This promotes the development of empathy and the ability to relate to others.

3.       Builds self-esteem: For children from minority or marginalised cultures, inclusion and representation of their culture in the educational and social environment can strengthen their self-esteem and sense of belonging.

4.       Enriches learning: Exposure to different cultures broadens children's horizons and enriches their learning. It gives them the opportunity to learn about different traditions, languages, customs and ways of life.

5.       It combats stereotypes and prejudices: Exposure to cultural diversity challenges stereotypes and prejudices that may exist in society. By interacting with people from different backgrounds, children learn to see beyond labels and appreciate the individuality of each person.

We are confident that each of us adults in charge of children can influence the perspective on cultural inclusion and diversity, together we will make this world safer for everyone.