Cultural Diversity Essential To Respect and Belonging for Children

By Kerrie Gottliebsen

Cultural Diversity Week (19-27th March) and Harmony Day (21st March) are a time to celebrate, share and embrace cultural diversity.

Cultural diversity, awareness and tradition play important roles in helping babies, toddlers and young children develop a positive sense of identity and build self-esteem. Harmony Day and Cultural Diversity week are about inclusiveness, respect and belonging regardless of cultural or linguistic background.

Between July 2019 and February 2022, parents from 85 different countries of birth attended a Tweddle program.

Tweddle believe in supporting babies, toddlers, children, and families to stay connected to cultures, communities and Countries. Tweddle welcomes people of different age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, intersex status, culture, sexual orientation, relationship status, language, faith, ability levels and socio-economic backgrounds. We take an intersectional approach in reducing inequality and discrimination by embedding safe, inclusive and affirming partnerships. We celebrate families from all walks of life and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging in principle and practice.

Cultural appreciation building positive self image

Studies show that cultural appreciation and awareness contribute to building a positive self image. Developing a strong foundation of belonging and acceptance through cultural celebration and education helps children to create a diverse social network while transitioning into adulthood.

There are many ways that parents can teach their children about their own cultures while exploring others.

This includes teaching children to be bilingual or multicultural, celebrating holidays and traditions, bonding over traditional meals, and sharing stories of family history and connections.

Tweddle parents came from the following countries of birth between July 2019 and February 2022;

Australia

India

Vietnam

New Zealand

China

Malaysia

Pakistan

Philippines

Indonesia

Iran

Ethiopia

Bangladesh

England

United Kingdom, Channels Islands and Isle of Man

Ireland

Sri Lanka

Colombia

Nepal

Nauru

United Arab Emirates

Canada

Turkey

Thailand

Egypt

Taiwan

Singapore

Italy

Sudan

Brazil

Iraq

Hong Kong

Ukraine

Korea, Republic of (South)

Saudi Arabia

Poland

Timor-Leste

Germany

Lebanon

Croatia

Somalia

El Salvador

Guatemala

Netherlands

Russian Federation

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Chile

United States of America

Scotland

Ecuador

Japan

Mauritius

Argentina

Morocco

Spain

Southern and Eastern Europe, nfd

Fiji

Mexico

Zimbabwe

Australian External Territories nec

France

South Africa

Albania

Greece

Kuwait

Hungary

Venezuela

Mauritania

Tunisia

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)

Denmark

Belgium

Botswana

Moldova

Niger

Cambodia

Kosovo

Afghanistan

Latvia

Equatorial Guinea

Samoa

Syria

Liberia

Eritrea

Sierra Leone

Tanzania More information about Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Day/Week. For more information about Cultural Diversity Week visit here. For more information about Harmony Day/Week visit here