One World - Our World
An innovative project promoting diversity education – this was originally developed through a multi-agency partnership consisting of BVSNW, Black Ethnic Support Team (BEST) and Valleys Race Equality Council (VALREC).
The project, aimed at primary schools, uses various art forms and interactive workshops to stimulate children’s imaginations through a creative week involving artists, poets, storytellers and performers using their art forms from around the world.
It began its origins at Cwmlai Primary School working with Tonyrefail West Communities First and South Wales Police. Pupils were engaged at Cwmlai, taking them on a journey around the world using the five senses. The school explored a range of cultures from Africa, Asia, Europe and The Americas to discover people, places, clothing, music, arts, food, religion and history. A platform to share the children’s journey with the wider community was held through an exhibition where the pupils’ classrooms were transformed into a global village, which was visited by the then Jane Davidson AM, Minister for Education & Lifelong Learning.
 Jane Davidson AM opening exhibition |
 Artwork on Africa |
 Artists performing at exhibition |
The project was highlighted as a case study at one of ESIS’s [Education & School Improvement Service] Multi-cultural Conference for the Foundation Phase held in mid January 2006. ESIS informed BVSNW:
“For many schools addressing multi-culturalism in the classroom can be a challenge particularly where the children are predominantly Welsh and white. One World – Our World is a primary school project that provides the local education authority with an excellent opportunity to illustrate good practice in this area of learning. This project shows how diversity can be celebrated across the curriculum and demonstrates how children can develop a deeper understanding of different cultures and ways of life through their studies.”
The project has been rolled out across Rhondda Cynon Taff by VALREC and has flourished in North Wales.
Wrexham
BVSNW worked closely with Cai Park Community Council, Communities First and Groundwork Wrexham to successfully deliver One World – Our World 'History of Migration' at St Anne’s Primary School, Cai Park in December 2006. The pupils using maps of Wrexham, photos and recordings of major historical events produced a family tree. Other activities included fun food tasting from around the world, a cultural bazaar, a drama originating from Africa and the compilation of a welcome board by the children in many different languages. Mrs Rachel Molyneux Head Teacher at St Anne’s Primary School informed BVSNW:
"It had been a fantastic experience for them all and their little world at St Anne’s had become more aware of the bigger world."
 Artists discussing project with audience |
 Welcome Board created by the pupils |
 Family Tree created by the pupils |
As a result of its success the school project has won a global learning award sponsored by NIACE and Cyfanfyd, which demonstrates to the outside world that Caia Park is a warm and welcoming place.
Holyhead
BVSNW worked in partnership with 4 Communities First areas across Holyhead to engage successfully with pupils from Parc Primary School in the One World – Our World ‘Port to Port’ Project at the end of January 2007. Children at the school excitedly participated in various workshops with an array of artists and community people during the week long project. They learnt about countries such as Ireland, Poland, Ghana, Portugal, China, India and Bangladesh through artwork, traditional clothing, drumming, dancing, storytelling and a cultural bazaar.
 Artwork created by the pupils |
 Pupils learning about Chinese Calligraphy |
 Some of the artwork at exhibition |
The project was brought together by an exhibition attended by a number of dignitaries, parents and community members.