"YOU CAN'T PLAY WITH US": EMPOWERING PARENTS OF BLACK CHILDREN IN SWITZERLAND TO TACKLE R*ClSM IN SCHOOLS
African Professionals Network Switzerland (APNS)
Building an impactful network of African professionals in Switzerland
Across schools in Switzerland, Europe, and globally, children of African descent have faced prejudice for decades. From microaggressions to bullying to outright exclusion, these experiences can have long-term emotional and psychological effects. As we enter September, the back-to-school season in most Western countries, these issues are brought into sharper focus, as children return to environments where they may again face these challenges.
What’s even more alarming is that many professionals of African descent in the West have experienced similar incidents in their early childhood, which have had a lasting influence on their personal and professional lives.
Recently, we learned of another case. The son of one of our members, a young boy, was told by his best friend that they could no longer play together because a family member advised against being friends with "foreigners." The family member also expressed discriminatory views about people of African descent living in Switzerland. This incident reflects a broader issue that deeply affects the families of many professionals in our network and beyond. It’s part of a widespread problem that demands more than just awareness – it calls for action.
SO, WHAT CAN PARENTS DO?
Here are some tangible steps:
1. Report the Incident: In Switzerland, parents should report such cases to ensure they are captured in official statistics. The "Centre Ecoute Contre le R6cisme" https://c-ecr.ch allows you to report incidents within three months. This step is crucial for holding institutions accountable and generating data for systemic change.
2. Engage with the School: It’s essential to inform the teacher and school director immediately, preferably in written form. Request a meeting with the other child’s parents and push for the situation to be used as a teachable moment – not only for the children involved but for the entire classroom. Schools should take responsibility for educating their students on diversity and respect.?
3. Seek Emotional Support: It’s important for both the parents and the child to have emotional support. Patricia K. Oguey, a somatic therapist specializing in r*cism and discrimination, is a valuable resource for parents navigating these issues. She can guide you through processing the emotional and physical impacts of those painful experiences in your child. More on her work can be found on her website.
4. Leverage Expert Insight: The work of Nigel Arieh Fischer , a child and adolescent psychotherapist who has written extensively on the relationship between the topic, identity, and well-being among Afro-descendants in Switzerland, can help shape how we approach this issue from a mental health perspective.
SWISS LEGAL FRAMEWORKS AND UN ACCOUNTABILITY
In addition to these immediate actions, it’s important to remember that Switzerland has legal frameworks in place to combat r*cism and discrimination. Under Article 261bis of the Swiss Criminal Code, public incitement to r*cial hatred or discrimination, spreading r*cist ideologies, and denying or grossly trivializing genocide or crimes against humanity are criminal offenses. These laws offer an essential backdrop for any action parents take and help ensure that systemic discrimination is addressed not only in schools but also within Swiss society as a whole.
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Moreover, the international community, through mechanisms such as the United Nations Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent, plays a significant role in combating racism. This group receives individual complaints concerning racism, particularly in cases involving government bodies, companies, or institutions. Their involvement underscores the global commitment to tackling racial discrimination, reinforcing national efforts in Switzerland.
WHAT IS NEXT?
At APNS, we like turning these conversations into action. We would like to organize an event to bring together parents, educators, and experts to provide tools and share strategies for confronting r*cism in schools. We are looking forward to collaborating with other people and organizations to ensure that these discussions have a broader reach and greater impact.
Together, we can create safer, more inclusive environments for our children and drive systemic change from the ground up.
If you would like to contribute to making an impact and work collaboratively towards ending r*cism in schools, apply to join us at APNS to stay in the loop. https://www.apns.ch/
Candace Nkoth Bisseck
For APNS
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2 个月Haaaa! We're in 2024 and unfortunately we still have to go through such unpleasant experiences. I remember last year, during an open door at my son's school, experiencing a racist comment from one of his classmates in front of my son, my husband and the mother of that child. Her mother was mortified and I was annoyed to say the least. But I decided to talk to the child directly, with her mother's consent and explained to her why her comment was hurtful. I then drew a doll with curly hair and offered it to her, for her to keep safe from harm. The rest is in her parents' hands. We can ask schools to enforce inclusion policies but at the end of the day, these children's parents must be held accountable for their hate and the transmission they make. Thanks for highlighting this Candace NKOTH BISSECK
Impact-Driven Leadership Coach | Innovation ? Collaboration ? Inclusion ? Women Empowerment | L'Oreal, United Nations, Stanford University, McKinsey & Co
2 个月Read this 2023 article by Another APNS member, Ludmila AZO ????https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/africans-dont-have-kill-eat-ludmila-azo She faced a similar issue at her child's school last year, where racist stereotypes were being spread in the classroom. In response, she designed a creative educational experience, using custom-made teddy bears and storytelling to address misconceptions about Africa and challenge negative perceptions. Her initiative was so well-received that other schools requested the program.
Recognize differences & work towards equity
2 个月Very important article! As a supplement: every canton in Switzerland is required by the federal government to have a discrimination protection office. Cases can be reported online here: https://www.network-racism.ch/ and you will be forwarded to the responsible office. There, the counselors can also support the victims, for example by contacting the school or empower the family. And yes, it is important to record as many cases as possible.