Well-being In Our Multicultural School Communities

In an increasingly multicultural and linguistically diverse world when educators plan for wellbeing activities in educational spaces, we have to consider the diversity of our students and teachers. It is not enough we simply plan well-being activities, but it is vital to keep in mind the diverse interests, cultures, thought works of our school community. Though basic human needs are similar all over the planet; planning and aligning well-being activities that resonate with peoples' individual experiences can be valuable in fostering and achieving well-being.

Wellness through appreciating culture:

As educators, we have to be culturally responsive to reach out and make a difference. To walk the path of cultural responsiveness it is vital to identify what culturally safe and effective care is. It is about the approaches we take in engaging with people and how we inspire, practice, act and promote what we learn. This requires genuine dialogue. Perhaps one can learn how to communicate with an individual from another culture. Understanding and appreciating cultures other than your own can help you to understand yourself better. A strong community that embraces individual differences and that finds common ground are important factors in healthy educational spaces - be it among students or staff.

Wellness activities that involve belonging:

Belonging is an elemental and primary human need, and 'respect for diversity' is the essential link to people’s sense of belonging. When individuals feel accepted, respected and included, they have better mental health and wellness.

Though well-being is the buzz word at the moment, it can be a tad difficult to come by. Wellness is not just about our lifestyle - it much more than that. It's about awareness of us and others; and accepting people for who they are. While being understood, valued, respected and encouraged is essential to recovery; our shared understanding of our own cultures, its origin and the new cultures can help us to better navigate the ways of life. Well-being activities should be thoughtfully designed for a positive outcome that is meaningful to all people involved.