Proven benefits of multicultural education

Children grow up within a cultural context. The culture they inherit or belong to influences how they think and learn. Including the concept of cultural diversity in childhood education helps kids develop their identity while broadening the horizon of their knowledge and understanding. Multicultural education should begin in early childhood as it improves positive social behaviour among children. Not only does it teach them to value and respect diversity, but encourages acceptance of individual differences and equips them to function in a globalised world. Here’s how multicultural education will benefit your child. 

Promotes positive socialization 
As children grow, they come in contact with increasingly unfamiliar situations and ambiances. If they are used to a narrow perspective of the world, it becomes difficult for them to adjust to these situations or make friends with new people who have different faiths, beliefs or opinions. Children who develop a broader view of cultures across the world find it easier to cope with and thrive in such situations. 

Helps fight stereotypes 
No matter which faith, gender, nationality, ethnicity children come from, they will come across stereotypes that limit their perceptions of others and ones that limit others’ perception of them. These social prejudices can restrict the development and growth of children. Cross cultural exchanges and awareness help children create bonds with people beyond their cultural identities and helps them develop a strong sense of personal identity. 

Raises global citizens 
When children learn to accept cultural diversity at an early age, it helps them come to terms with an ever-evolving globalised world characterised more cross-cultural interaction than ever before. An open view for all cultures built on mutual respect and empathy is pretty much a necessity in today’s world. It supports healthy and mutually supportive peer environments and successful assimilation into the world. 

Teaches tolerance 
Being culturally tolerant is a virtue that needs to be developed from the initial years of life.  As children learn to accept and grow familiar with differences among people, it equips them with humanitarian traits and culturally responsible behaviours that help them deal with sensitive situations in an appropriate manner. They become more tolerant and adaptive in workplace environments as well as social settings. Multicultural education develops strong empathy in children for individuals. This helps in their psychological and emotional development as well.