Manitoba Launches Anti-Islamophobia Program for K-12 Students

Manitoba Launches Anti-Islamophobia Program for K-12 Students
——————————-
The provincial government of Manitoba has unveiled a new, comprehensive program designed to combat Islamophobia within its education system, spanning from kindergarten through grade twelve.

According to IQNA, the initiative, announced by Tracy Schmidt, Manitoba’s Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning, aims to foster an inclusive school environment for all students, irrespective of their faith, origin, or identity.

Minister Schmidt emphasized that every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and fully integrated at school. The program’s action plan, developed by a working group formed in October 2024 comprising community leaders, educators, and ministry representatives, focuses on several key areas: Strengthening ties between schools and Muslim communities; Integrating Muslim history and perspectives into school curricula; and providing specialized educational resources for teachers.

Sadaf Ahmed, head of government affairs and public policy at the National Muslim Council of Canada, lauded the initiative, stating it would significantly enhance the understanding of Islam and boost cultural awareness in classrooms. She highlighted the program’s scope, covering the entire school curriculum, as a major step forward for Muslim students and their families. The program will be implemented collaboratively with school divisions and community organizations and is publicly accessible on the Department of Education’s anti-Islamophobia webpage.