In a socially inclusive environment, each person feels a sense of belonging and this extends to the community. A socially inclusive environment that fosters action recognises and celebrates the diversity of each person and creates space for all people to contribute and to be respected. Including children as an active part of the conversation for change is important. Increasingly, children and young people are leading the way and challenging the status quo.
'Te Whāriki' principles of Whakamana | Empowerment and Ngā hononga | Relationships are most pertinent to this area. When children experience an empowering curriculum, it enhances their mana and supports them to nurture, protect and celebrate others and their worlds. It recognises that children can be guardians and advocate for many things, for example te reo Māori, the natural world, the wellbeing of themselves and others, and tikanga Māori. “Parents and whānau trust that their ECE service will provide an environment where respectful relationships, encouragement, warmth and acceptance are the norm” ('Te Whāriki', page 21). Unity and a sense of togetherness are grounded in respectful, responsive and reciprocal relationships with people, places and things.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi has implications for equitable education outcomes. “For Māori an inclusive curriculum is founded on Māori values and principles and is strengths based” ('Te Whāriki', page 13). Learner identity is enriched when kaiako are responsive to children’s cultural ways of knowing and being. This extends to connections to the natural world through te taiao which acknowledges the deep relationship of respect and reciprocity with the natural world and the interconnectedness between people and nature.
Each child’s identity, language and culture will have a unique impact on their orientation to issues associated with social inclusion and action. Working in partnership with whānau supports kaiako to be aware of and responsive to this orientation. It is also important for kaiako to be conscious of the learning environment and their teaching practice, and how these can influence beliefs and behaviours. A key purpose of this area is to support kaiako, children and whānau in conversations that promote anti-racism and inclusive behaviours and beliefs.
