Faith schools join forces
by Robyn Rosen
PRIMARY school pupils from two faith schools have joined forces to learn about each other's religions.
On Wednesday, July 15, pupils from Christ Church Primary School in Clarence Road, Kilburn visited North West London Jewish Day School in Willesden Lane, Kilburn to celebrate the end of a year-long project.
The project, entitled Sharing Faiths, involved visits between the schools to learn about Christian and Jewish festivals and gain respect for each other.
Diane Stone, inclusion officer at Christ Church, said: "It's encouraging children to have an understanding of different cultures and religions.
"They were making friends, talking about respecting each other and valuing each other's cultures in a fun, sharing situation.
"It's always been important to learn about other religions but in the current political climate, it's even more important. We live in a multi-cultural society and it's part of who we are now."
The children learnt about the festivals of Christmas, Easter, Chanukah and Purim and took part in a series of games, activities, and art projects.
Daniel Kerbel, headteacher at the North West London Jewish Day School, said: "The idea was to twin with another faith school so that we instil respect as well as tolerance.
"At the end of the year we focussed on friendship and respect and the kids spent time talking to each other and making friends. It was beautiful to see them together.
"One of the children said to me at the end 'When we grow up, we don't have to fight wars - we can just be friends'.
"We're looking forward to next year where we'd like to expand the project and perhaps include a third school."
A Year 5 pupil at the North West London Jewish Day School said: "The most important thing I have learnt from meeting children from other religions is that even if you are a different religion, you can still be friends."
Robyn.rosen@archant.co.uk
|
|
|
|
|
|