Our Work With Schools & Families
Our Senior Community Development Worker for Schools and Families Dr Suaad Geneme – George, spends most of her time in the community supporting families and schools. She attends many strategic meetings, at Devon County Council on issues such as diversity and equality. Dr Genem-George regularly attends meetings with our local authorities, police, Crown Persecution Services, equality and diversity teams in Devon and children and young people’s services. She has a good working relationship with Devon’s schools, teachers, heads of departments and head teachers. Suaad is also involved in meetings with voluntary organisation who work with black, minority, ethnic persons across Devon and the South West, try to build links between the BME communities and the local voluntary communities. Suaad deals with racial incidents across Devon and is involved in Devon County Councils Reducing Bullying Steering Group.
Suaad understands that racism is often caused by fear based on bias, prejudice and judgment. Therefore, she encourages a holistic approach, tackling racism through education, building bridges between communities by organising multicultural events, address issues both inside and outside the classroom. Inside the schools we tackle racism through a process of restoration of justice. Outside school Suaad set up a series of activities such as the Saturday club where children, young people and families meet to have discussions and a few activities related mainly to education. The Youth Open Space International Club, which was established for the young people to run those activities such as revision for their exams, English, IT, Art, films and sport, mainly football! This club is being supported by the Olive Tree Association, Young Devon and Devon Youth Service.
Dr. Genem-George also delivers parenting courses to Devon’s BME communities; and with it being predominantly women it led her to establish Devon United Women which was supported by Devon County Council. She has also been involved with the Refugees Support Group supporting the Women’s Out Reach project, and the BME domestic violence action group, to empower women and their families. With the support of PDREC (formerly DREC), local women organised the Multi-Cultural Event in July 2009; it was a great success and attended by our MP Ben Bradshaw! Suaad is the Co-chair of Respect Festival, and the 2009 Respect Festival was attended by six thousand people from Exeter and Devon!
Suaad organises many Multi-Cultural Events such as the one at the Barnflied Theatre in 2009 with the support of Exeter City Council. It was highlighted by the Vice Chancellor Professor Mark Overton from Exeter University as the most diverse event ever attended in Devon. PDREC supports the Exeter Mayalee Association; Suaad attended their annual national festival and was honoured to open the Ceremony. She has also had much contact with Exeter University throughout the years, most recently during the 2009’s Black History Month and the One World event. Suaad organised international Women’s Day events at the Phoenix art centre such as the ‘sewing for Peace’ exhibition. Her Face 2 Face project which supports parents with disabled children another complete success.
Dr Genem-George’s County provides a wide range of training programs in diversity and equality, her focus on the race relations act and cultural awareness has been appreciated and praised by schools, multi agencies and stakeholders throughout Devon. For more information please contact us at PDREC via email or on 01392 422566