Overview
When we were kids (in the 1980s) the world was not connected as it is today. We did not know much about other parts of the world other than what was happening around. So we were surrounded by similar culture, thinking and approach. Now our world becomes more diverse and interconnected, our children need to understand that God almighty has created every person with unique traits.
Children begin to notice differences in their early years. As they grow into adults, they will encounter diversity around them in every aspect of their lives. They need to learn how to live within a diverse culture with different abilities of people’s mindsets.
It’s impossible for billions of people in the world to have the same customs, languages or religions. Differences are an inevitable part of life. It’s important for kids to understand and respect them starting from a young age.
Celebrate Diversity
I live in Australia, and kids celebrate Harmony Week in schools and institutions. The purpose is to respect all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core values. They wear something orange which represents Harmony Week. This way you can spread awareness of different cultures and traditions, telling them to welcome diversity. We can do the same or similar in our schools and institutions.
Conversation is Important
From an early age, read some stories to your kids about different countries and cultures, show some animated books and videos. Tell them how our religion Islam welcomes diversity, in Quran, Allah says in:
Apart from that, attend an arts festival, visit nearby cultural centers, museums, or explore different foods from around the country or world
Make tolerance a fundamental principle
The first step for our children to learn to respect differences is to do it yourself. We live in a connected world. There are lots of cultures and social ideas that we should know and accept.
