Racial diversity celebrated

Tyler Proctor (17), of South Korea, celebrates Race Unity Day with fellow Logan Park High School pupils (from left) Jayden Jesudhass (13, of Vietnam), Loksh Menariya (18, of India), Bella Rennie (17, of India), Lucan Willis (17, of South Korea), Violet Ga
Tyler Proctor (17), of South Korea, celebrates Race Unity Day with fellow Logan Park High School pupils (from left) Jayden Jesudhass (13, of Vietnam), Loksh Menariya (18, of India), Bella Rennie (17, of India), Lucan Willis (17, of South Korea), Violet Gallop (16, of South Korea), Violet McGlynn-Cole (15, of South Korea), I.J. Saul (13, of Guyana), Minjae Lee (17, of South Korea), Natthanan Chanthasen-Tam (15, of Thailand) and Leven Wu (17, of China). Photo: Peter McIntosh
The different ways the word ''yes'' can be said was highlighted during roll call at Logan Park High School's Race Unity Day yesterday.

The school has 60 pupils from more than 30 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and the school celebrates it each year with a special school assembly.

The assembly also celebrates the United Nations International Race Relations Day (March 21), and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21).

Co-principal Kristan Mouat said the latter marked the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre, in which 69 black South African citizens - including 10 children - were shot and killed by their own police, for protesting against racial apartheid laws.

She said Logan Park's event was organised by senior pupils, and celebrated all of the pupils' ethnic and cultural backgrounds by displaying traditional costume, dance and song, in what was a ''colourful, multicultural and entertaining'' experience.

''Our students want to focus on unity within diversity, and encourage tolerance and respect within our own global village.

''Students from countries including Jordan, Nepal, Vietnam, Zimbabwe, Germany, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, Guyana, Canada and the United States joined with Maori and Pakeha students to celebrate their differences and acknowledge their unity.

''It was an inspiring example of teenagers from such different backgrounds being able to work together across racial/cultural/religious and language barriers.''

john.lewis@odt.co.nz

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