I AM grateful to Rev Michael Williams, writing in his "Thought for Week" column in the Bolton Evening News of July 2, for his comment that different faith communities should not insist on having their separate schools.
I agree with his concerns that separate schooling reinforces the natural prejudices which exist between communities instead of confronting and challenging them.
My local Hindu Temple receives many visits from schools. Some of the children -- and even teachers -- have never been to a Hindu Temple. The reason for this is clear -- there is often a perceived misconception that non-Hindus are prohibited. But once this barrier is broken and the children see and experience the Temple, their outlook on life broadens.
Back in their school they enthusiastically start drawing and painting the things they saw in the Temple. And some of their narratives are surprisingly intelligent and imaginative. Clearly, for them the visit has been a practical learning process about different cultures. These children, when they grow up, will be better equipped to understand and foster good community relations than those who have not had, or been given, the opportunity to mix with other children of different faiths.
The guidance for community cohesion recently issued by the Government suggests that education -- which is often cited as the best way to introduce positive values -- should bring with it enlightenment, knowledge, tolerance, understanding and appreciation of others. Schools are encouraged to attract an intake which reflects their community, and to utilise a curriculum that recognises the contribution of all cultures.
I do hope that schools take heed of this guidance. As Rev Michael Williams rightly concludes, that although schools alone cannot accomplish the task of enabling communities to celebrate their distinctiveness, they must play their part if we are to achieve harmony and understanding between peoples.
Uttambhai D Mistry
Chairman, Bolton Hindu Forum
Westland Avenue
Heaton, Bolton
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