March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

By Joan Janzen

March 21 is designated as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In recognition of this occasion, Christ The Redeemer (CTR) Catholic schools are promoting an initiative to promote inclusion and eliminate racism. Lindsay Avramovic, Director of Catholic Education, described the initiative in which Assumption Roman Catholic School in Oyen will participate. Assumption Roman Catholic School is a Kindergarten to Grade 6 school.

Lindsay explained the Many and One initiative began in the spring of 2020. “Our goal, as part of the committee, is to address discrimination through listening, sharing and action.”

This involves an online event that will be held in all schools on March 21. The guest speaker is Aubrey Noronha, who will address each of the different age groups throughout the day on March 21, sharing an age-appropriate message to each grade division. There will also be a special online presentation for parents and families in the evening.

Lindsay said, “We wanted a speaker who could speak to the issue at all age levels, in a developmentally appropriate way.” Aubrey Noronha, who is originally based out of Ontario, seemed to fit the bill. “He’s relatable, understandable, open and welcoming. He’s been such a gift,” she said. He will be speaking to all 10,000 of CTR’s students.

As a former crisis negotiator and critical incident stress management facilitator, his expertise, passion and candour flow through his workshops and will leave students and adults feeling encouraged and equipped to make their school and community safer one day and one decision at a time.

“While he’s not advertised as a Catholic speaker, he highlights the key tenants of our faith ... a call to love and a call to care for one another,” Lindsay explained, adding that Aubrey uses language appropriate for elementary-level students. He notes that we’re all made in the image and likeness of God.

The hands-on aspect of this initiative is all based on “relationship.” Lindsay said, “Without relationship, we’re not going to be able to do the learning. That is the foundation on which everything will grow. Children need to know that they’re loved, cared for, worthy of love, and created in the image of God. Once they have that, they can do the learning. We know as teachers when the relationship is absent, the students don’t engage.”

This is the first time CTR has invited a speaker to address this topic, and they’re looking forward to maintaining a partnership with Aubrey. “I hope to have him come in person in the new year,” Lindsay said. “We still have work to do. It’s an ongoing conversation as we’re learning together.”

The elementary students attending Assumption Roman Catholic School in Oyen will be hearing an encouraging message. “Skin colours are many and beautiful. We’re all part of this human race and have a sense of kinship,” Lindsay said. “It’s a call to love one another, care for one another, made in the image of likeness of God. We’re celebrating what is unique and special about each one of our families.”

PHOTO: Aubrey Noronha will present an online presentation to students at Assumption Roman Catholic School in Oyen on March 21 in honour of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.