Rainbow Youth Ministry of Education Research Report Launch

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION RESEARCH REPORT PRESS RELEASE: 11th OCTOBER 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

One of the major strengths of Rainbow Youth is its sexuality and gender diversity education workshops presented throughout Auckland secondary schools since the 1990s.  In partnership with the Ministry of Education, Rainbow Youth have commissioned research titled ‘Educating for Diversity’ that seeks to investigate the outcomes of these workshops.

Rainbow Youth’s sexuality and gender diversity workshops are headed by our Education Coordinator Kestin Stewart, and incorporate a mix of factual discussions around queer and trans* terms, discrimination and bullying as well as personal stories shared by volunteers from Rainbow Youth members.

In recognition of the particular vulnerabilities of sexuality and/or gender diverse young people with regard to bullying, the report focuses on evaluating how these workshops may contribute to developing positive behaviours.

Over 200 students from two secondary schools in Auckland participated in this study. The findings of this study suggest that Rainbow Youth's workshops were of a high quality, and resulted in significant post-workshop improvements in attitudes for participating students. The authors call for further research and development in order to expand the delivery of the workshops, and add further components.

Rainbow Youth General Manager Duncan Matthews says he’s, “really excited we're finally able to release this evaluation into the public domain.

“The report really highlights how just a few hours of diversity education can make a significant impact on the wellbeing of our young people, as well as the potential to reduce bullying and discrimination in schools generally.  

“Rainbow Youth would like to extend a huge thanks to the Ministry of Education for enabling Rainbow Youth to undertake this important piece of research,” He adds.

The launch of the ‘Education for Diversity’ report is being hosted by Rainbow Youth on Tuesday October 15th at 6 p.m at Auckland University Medical School, room 024, building 503.
Rainbow Youth extends an open invitation to its supporters within the wider community.

Report_launch_invite.pdf

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