Education provider hosts schools race summit
Key education figures joined forces as BMet 's Matthew Boulton College hosted the Birmingham Schools Race Summit, held to explore issues of race equality within the school system.
The special event, which is part of the Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG) Summit, attracted around 100 people, including pupils, teachers, educators, school leaders, teaching unions and academics.
With Birmingham now nearing 70 per cent pupils of colour in its schools, the central question and focus for the day 's activities was based on the theme 'How good are our schools in ensuring race equality and equity? '
The packed agenda included anecdotes of lived experiences of education and race from BMet students and teachers.
Speakers included CEO at CORE Adrian Packer CBE, pastor and education consultant Gilroy Brown, Janique Berryman from The Black Curriculum and many more.
There were also engaging performances and Q & A sessions.
Throughout the day, participants examined various themes which shape the way education system operates in workshops.
All activities were carefully put together to determine where Birmingham is as a city, what needs improving and how to improve it.
Sannah Abbas, a business student at BMet 's Matthew Boulton College, gave a heart-felt speech about her lived experiences of education and race. She said: “I feel humbled, honoured and respected to be asked to be part of this very special event, which was very interesting and thought-provoking.
“I was pleased to speak about the concept of 'One punch can kill ', which I related to the physical and emotional sense of being bullied because of one 's race, which in the worst case scenario can lead to death or suicide. ”
In line with the BRIG Youth Summit for Racial Justice which also saw BMet partnering with South and City College in May, the Birmingham Schools Race Summit was the perfect opportunity for BMet 's community of students and staff to cement their allegiance to not tolerating racism and inequality.
BMet Principal, Pat Carvalho, who opened the event with a welcome speech which included an overview of BMet 's anti-racism initiatives, said: “We were so pleased to have the chance to host such a relevant, informative and stimulating event that totally aligns with what BMet stands for.
“I personally thoroughly enjoyed the part of the event I attended and felt that it was also rewarding for all who attended.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for BMet to be alongside likeminded people who play a significant role in driving the change required to shift the dial in making Birmingham's schools front and centre to realising an anti-racist city. ”
Check out BMet 's website to see content that showcases values of anti-racism and racial inequality.