Street set to be renamed “Equality Street” for a day as part of pupils’ social action project

Students are set to rename a street in their town Equality Street for a day as part of a social action project to celebrate and raise awareness of minority groups.

The initiative is the brainchild of pupils from The Hart School in Rugeley and will see Anson Street transformed into Equality Street for a day, on Saturday, June 4, from 10am-4pm, as part of a town-wide street party to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

To achieve their goal of tackling inequality through improving understanding and awareness, pupils are calling for volunteers from minority groups, including different faiths, sexualities and disabilities, who would be willing to share stories of life in their community to step forward.

Call for minority groups to help improve understanding by telling their stories to community

Sandip Dosanjh, The Hart School’s assistant principal and personal development lead, said: “We are looking for people from minority groups who would be willing to share their experiences and stories with members of the community over a cup of tea at the jubilee street party.

“This call is part of a student-led social action project, which started with students looking at what them proud and happy about living in Rugeley and what characteristics they would like it to have.”

The topic of tackling inequality was selected from a list of community improvement ideas created by students for Rugeley and settled on following a poll and survey of students and the local community.

Pupils excited about impact of project bringing community together

She added: “The main purpose of Equality Street is to raise awareness of the different ethnicities, disabilities and the local LGBTQ+ community.

“Within the street there will be traditional dances and music as well as tables with people/students leading conversations on different religions, cultures, disabilities and sexualities.

“To aid understanding of the struggles some of these groups face, on a daily basis, we are asking for volunteers to give up an hour or more to take part.

“The students have worked really hard on this project and are very excited about this event, which they hope will really bring the community together.”

The school event will feature a stage with live performances, including bhangra dancers, an audience workshop, and several student groups, including the dance club and Year 9 scholars, will also present a showcase of their talents.

If you would like to volunteer to help The Hart School students’ Equality Street project please email [email protected] as soon as possible.

For more on The Hart School please visit www.hartschool.org.uk