EFA supports Plaid Cymru’s call for the inclusion of BAME history of Wales in education

Following the new Curriculum and Assessment Bill introduced by the Senedd (Welsh Parliament), the European Free Alliance stands up for the inclusion of both Welsh History and the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) history of Wales as mandatory subjects in the curriculum. We regret the rejection of our member party Plaid Cymru’s proposal to make inclusion of Welsh and BAME history mandatory.

Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd Siân Gwenllian said that a “historic opportunity” to redress structural inequality in Wales and to ensure that the education system creates an equal and inclusive Wales for all citizens in the future had been missed. EFA regrets that the Senedd did not support Plaid Cymru’s call last week.

As is the case in many of our member parties’ nations, there has long been a deficit of knowledge and education in Wales about its own past, and its BAME history is a crucial part of that experience. More than 34,000 people signed a petition calling for its inclusion, amassing over 10,000 signatures in the first 12 hours after launch.

Learning history plays an important role in the development of national identity, citizenship, and the feeling of young people’s place in the world. It also has the power to create awareness, respect, and understanding. The historical experiences of our nations and communities must be properly taught to young people. It is only through learning from the past that we can inspire positive solutions for the future, and to tackle the problems of today.