We live in a world where diversity covers a spectrum of differences larger than ever. Keeping in mind that the word now spans past race, it is a good – and necessary – practice to be more tolerant and well-informed about the various ways diversity exists.

For children, this happens to be a lot more integral; showing support for cultural diversity at an early age encourages them to see differences among people as something, not just common, but positive as well. They become more willing to build relationships regardless of race or culture – in fact, they make it a mission to become more inclusive so that nobody feels left out.

But to say it’s easy is incorrect; teaching your child the true value of cultural diversity at a young age is an entire process in itself. It all starts with the valuable lesson of cultural competence.

Cultural competence

Cultural competence is defined as the ability to understand, communicate with and interact appropriately with people of different cultures. This influence stems from the fact that we all are moulded by different social, educational and organisational cultures in which we live in – and therefore, there is no “right” way of viewing the world.

Simply recognising this fact allows a person to open up to different perspectives, giving rise to an exploration of similarities and differences in one’s cultural expectations. For children, this realisation alone is monumental – and here’s why.

Children learn through their early experiences; therefore, age and surrounding influence play a huge role in building ideas about diversity. They are naturally curious about the differences they see in society and deal with said-differences by categorising them – simply for organisation’s sake. This methodical approach to ticking off their interests inevitably broadens their mind, making them more willing to understand and relate to others.

This process is long, but it does not happen on its own. School happens to be a main player in the game.

The Role of Early Education

Needless to say, schools play a vital role in the lives of students. Considering how impressionable children can be, it is important for institutions to understand this because they bear the responsibility to promote values of respect and understanding, regardless of race or culture, and correct any kind of discrimination.

All of this is not done in vain; once cultural differences are respected, there are many benefits to mental health and emotional well-being. Children readily understand the core differences between two people of different races or cultures, and never harbour any hatred. In fact, they appreciate their own differences and hence admire diversity in others. This helps create a sense of belonging throughout a community, interlinking people of all races and cultures within a loving environment.

Places like JLT, Emirates Living, and Jumeirah Village in Dubai happen to be one of the most culturally rich and diverse places in the world – so how does Oakfield Early Learning Center prepare children for a society like that?

Things Oakfield does:

• Provides opportunities for children to express and listen to their fellow classmate’s cultural perspectives to develop respect and appreciation of diversity
• Promotes inclusive behaviour through information shared in an interactive way; one of our most active days are Cultural Appreciation Days, where children can dress up in their native clothes, and hence represent their true selves
• Respects individual differences by catering to every need, regardless of race or culture; we hold everyone equal and don’t believe in lumping everyone under the same title, with the same values and concepts. That’s why our practitioners are thoughtful in terms of approaching children as respectfully as they can
• Encourages social opportunities for parents to accept other culturally diverse people, and hence learn more about the world and its inhabitants

It is no understatement that everybody has the right to feel accepted, respected and included. Feeling welcome in society creates a positive impact on people – especially children, who harbour that positive attitude throughout their lives.

Oakfield, ranking among the top early learning centres in JLT, delivers the promise of creating a peaceful, harmonious environment for your child, where cultural exposure will mould them into brighter, more compassionate human beings.