Nurturing Leaders in Inclusive Classrooms

ECW celebrates International Day of Tolerance with inspiring story of inclusion across schools in Peru, made possible by UNESCO initiative.

By Education Cannot Wait

November 16^th, 2023

Adapted Story from the Field. Special Contribution by UNESCO (Original).

When 16-year-old Alessia and 12-year-old Leonel left their homes in Venezuela for a brighter future and greater security in Peru, they couldn’t imagine what would be waiting for them at the end of their journeys. Everything in their lives felt uncertain – including their futures in their new schools.

In classrooms around the world, young refugee and migrant children often face discrimination and exclusion from fellow students, teachers and school officials. Thanks to the Education Cannot Wait-funded +DIVERSIDAD Multi-Year Resilience Programme in Peru, students are learning about their differences, and teachers are nurturing tolerance to foster more inclusive classrooms where students of all backgrounds can thrive.

In celebration of the International Day for Tolerance, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) highlights Alessia and Leonel’s story of resilience, inclusion and growth – a story made possible thanks to a learning environment that fosters respect and celebrates the diversity that makes a school, and community, stronger.

Alessia works on a lesson with her classmates at school in Lima. © UNESCO

Learning to live together

For migrant students, the value of tolerance is all-important for their inclusion and acceptance in the school system.

Since arriving in Peru, both Leonel and Alessia have experienced discrimination and xenophobia. Throughout Peruvian society, many Venezuelan migrants say they feel excluded and discriminated against. Yet, in their schools, Alessia and Leonel report an environment of social cohesion and mutual understanding – equal parts learning and laughter.

Leonel was only six years old when he arrived in Peru. He and his family faced many hurdles in being accepted in their new home. Now twelve, he has many friends and is a leader among his classmates.

“We play or have conversations during recess. I tell them about Venezuela and they tell me about Peru. This way, we learn more about each other.” ~Leonel

For them, as well as thousands of other migrant students in Peru, a UNESCO-led teacher training initiative, funded as part of ECW’s +DIVERSIDAD programme in Peru, has made all the difference. The Training Programme of Inclusive Education Management and Pedagogy aims to help teachers and school principals implement best practices for inclusive education. In collaboration with Antonio Ruiz de Montoya University, participants in Lima and La Libertad (Trujillo) are trained in various subjects, including social-emotional skills for living together, gender equality, interculturality and school inclusion.

Leonel (second from the left) and his classmates during recess at their school. © UNESCO

Young leaders

Leonel notices the inclusive approach his teachers are taking. “My teachers give me suggestions on how to get along with my classmates and overcome obstacles,” he says. He, along with his fellow students, takes this advice to heart.

“Our relationships have improved, and we are learning from each other and respecting different opinions. There is no more discrimination or bullying.” ~Leonel

Now, Leonel is not only accepted at school, but excelling as a leader among his peers. In recognition of his exemplary leadership at his elementary school, Leonel has been appointed the student representative for four northern Lima school districts. He says that at his school, they practice inclusion where everybody is equal and has the same rights.

When he grows up, Leonel dreams of becoming a lawyer or doctor – professions where he can continue to contribute to bettering the lives of people around him.

Bullying and exclusion of Venezuelan migrants and refugees makes it difficult for them to succeed socially and academically – especially young women and girls. By contrast, actively fostering tolerance among students and educators has allowed students of all backgrounds to reach their potential.

Like Leonel, Alessia noticed a change in the attitudes of her classmates since the +DIVERSIDAD programme was implemented. Now, she too has taken on a leadership position as her school mayor. She considers it her greatest achievement. Reflecting on her journey to Peru, she says she never expected to be where she is now, excelling in her academics and a leader among her peers.

“The +DIVERSIDAD programme is helping a great deal for the integration of school students. It has worked very well in this school. Compared to when I arrived, things have changed vastly. We are now accepted as we are.” ~Alessia

Alessia dreams of one day harnessing all that she has learned and going to England to study social communications or psychology.

ECW’s commitment to promoting tolerance

Thanks in part to support from ECW, UNESCO’s teacher training programme is strengthening the capacities of teachers to implement intercultural and inclusive schooling.

The initiative has expanded to include 132 schools, training over 2,000 education workers and collectively reaching more than 60,000 students. Of these students, more than 17,500 have received direct attention and of that total, more than 6,400 are Venezuelan migrants and refugees – representing approximately 8% of Venezuelan students enrolled in the formal school system of Lima and Trujillo.

Funding for the initiative is just one part of ECW’s US$7.4 million +DIVERSIDAD Multi-Year Resiliency Programme in Peru, which focuses on ensuring access to inclusive, equitable quality education for Venezuelan migrant, refugee and host-community children, including children with disabilities. +DIVERSIDAD is led by UNICEF Peru, and implemented in collaboration with UNESCO Peru, RET, HIAS, World Vision, Save the Children and Alternativa – representing a unified commitment towards fostering inclusive education for all.

Leonel works on a project with his classmates in Lima, Peru. © UNESCO

“The +DIVERSIDAD programme is helpful in so many ways in bringing us together. We now feel accepted just the way we are. We are all brothers and sisters. We are all friends." ~Alessia

The effects of teaching inclusion and tolerance will continue to extend far beyond the walls of Alessia and Leonel’s schools – contributing to a society where fear, distrust and marginalization are replaced by interculturality, participation and respect for differences.

ECW and strategic partners call on donors, the private sector, philanthropic foundations and national and international partners to step-up and fully fund the multi-year programme in Peru. For children like Alessia and Leonel, the +DIVERSIDAD programme is allowing them to be themselves at school and reach their full potential – as learners, friends and leaders.

Alessia (middle) and some of her friends at school in Peru. © UNESCO

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