Young people use their talent and creativity to challenge those who oppose diverse and integrated communities

13 October 2009

The annual awards ceremony for Arts & Minds, a nationwide competition organised by the NASUWT, the largest teachers' union in the UK, will take place at the Charing Cross Thistle Hotel in London today.

The competition encourages children and young people across the UK, working with their teachers, to use creative writing, music and art to express their ideas about racial equality and cultural diversity in today's society.

This year over 1,000 entries were received on the theme of community. The theme was chosen to encourage young people to think about the community in which they live, explore their own sense of identity and consider how a sense of community and belonging can be promoted.

Schools used the competition to counter negative perceptions of migrant pupils and to challenge the views of those such as the British National Party (BNP) who are fundamentally opposed to the idea of a diverse and integrated community.

The awards ceremony brings together the winning pupils to recognise and celebrate their fantastic creativity and talent.

Awards will be made in the categories of early years, primary, special and secondary schools and the overall winner will be presented with their award by the Rt Hon Ed Balls, secretary of state for Children, Schools and Families.

The award winners, family members and teachers will have the opportunity to stay overnight at the Charing Cross Thistle Hotel and enjoy the sights of London before attending the ceremony.

Music will be provided on the day by the The King Blues, supporters of Love Music Hate Racism, an organisation that brings together music and education to challenge racism.

The competition is supported by SecEd, Love Music Hate Racism, The Wilberforce Institute for the study of Slavery and Emancipation, the Refugee Council and Unite Against Fascism and the Museum of London. An award will also be presented this year by the Anne Frank Trust.

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, said:

"The success of this competition has been growing year on year.

"I am proud that the NASUWT provides this annual opportunity to highlight and celebrate the enormous talent, creativity and ingenuity shown by children and young people, encouraged and supported by their teachers, in schools across the UK.

"Day in, day out many young people are making a positive contribution to their communities and the NASUWT is always keen to recognise the positive difference they are making to the world around them.

"All of the judges have been deeply impressed by the outstanding quality of the entries and the exceptional talents of the youngsters.

"I want to thank every pupil, teacher and school who participated.

"The NASUWT is also very grateful for the generosity of all our sponsors and supporters."

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