In a display of leadership and empathy, a group of boys recently led a Citizenship afternoon focussing on the topic of microaggressions. The initiative was born out of a desire to address the subtle, often unintentional comments or actions that can have a profound impact on individuals, creating an environment where they feel marginalized or misunderstood. Over time, microaggressions can cause lasting harm, affecting confidence and a sense of belonging.
The assembly was a direct response to feedback from our pupil inclusion survey, which highlighted concerns raised by the boys about microaggressions and the need to build further confidence in addressing them to foster a fully inclusive school environment.
Miss Rattab, Teacher of Philosophy and Religion, commented, “The boys were at the heart of this initiative. They didn’t just raise the issue – they were actively involved in shaping how it was addressed. From collaborating on the content to delivering key messages, they took real ownership. I couldn’t be prouder of how they conducted themselves. Their maturity, sense of responsibility, and commitment to fostering a better environment for everyone were truly commendable.”
Their efforts were further supported by BAFTA award winner G Turawa, who helped shape the assembly and shared his own experiences with microaggressions. His presence and story underscored the importance of empathy, understanding and respect in building a stronger community.
Upper Sixth Former, Ayo Odumuyiwa, one of the boys who led the assembly explained, “G Turawa helped us by giving us advice and coaching about what makes a good assembly. He made sure that we realised our voices were important no matter what. He showed a lot of his experience and related it to what we were trying to achieve for our school.”
Ayo went on to say, “The topic of microaggressions was something that resonated with me as it has been an issue that I and many others have dealt with. I just wanted to help educate all of the school to give points of growth to create a friendlier environment. A lot of people can relate to this message but don’t feel brave enough to express their feelings so this message is vital to give a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves.”
G Turawa’s visit was an inspiring addition to the day. His message resonated deeply with the boys, highlighting the profound effects of microaggressions and the importance of addressing them. He emphasised that small actions and words can have significant impacts and promoting an environment of respect and understanding is crucial.
He hoped that, if the boys could take away just one key message from the assembly it would be, “Not to think about how they can impress people, but to think about how they can impact people positively. Let go of expectations and be open.”
The boys’ initiative and G Turawa’s involvement have set a strong foundation for ongoing positive change. The hope is that the lessons learned from the Citizenship afternoon will contribute to a more inclusive and supportive school environment, where every boy feels valued and understood. This assembly was not just a one-time event but a pivotal point for continuous dialogue and action towards inclusivity.
