A DALEK was among the many visitors to a week-long campaign aimed at exterminating prejudice and inequalities.
The replica of the Dr Who character dropped in to each of Sunderland College’s five campuses as part of a roadshow of activities across Equality and Diversity Week.
“We were trying to think of a creative way of explaining diversity and engaging with the students,” said Joe Leggett, director of learning support at the college.
“In Dr Who, the Daleks have a very hierarchical society, with prejudices within their ranks based on their colour.”
Each day the Dalek and roadshow visited a different campus, with representatives from key charities and agencies holding events and talking to students about their activities.
These included Guide Dogs, Amnesty International, Age UK, Sunderland Arch and Washington Mind.
Alongside the roadshow, other events took place including a Kick Racism out of Football tournament at Bede campus, and a Japanese culture session at Usworth campus.
Joe added: “The college’s Equality and Diversity Week keeps getting bigger every year, with more and more agencies becoming involved.
“This year’s theme was pride not prejudice, and it was really central to everything were doing across the week.
“It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the diverse region within which we all live and work and showcase the work being done by charities as well as the communities.”
He added: “Our students really enjoyed the week, making the most of the opportunity to get involved, learning about the important issues surrounding equality, having their say and making a difference.
“One of the most popular activities this year was the Kick Racism out of Football tournament.
“We’re aiming to really raise awareness of this vitally important issue, and make a change at the grass-roots level.”
Joe said another event which was very popular was the visit by Guide Dogs charity, which included handlers and puppies going along to the college to meet the students and show them the work they do.
Twitter: @SunderlandEcho
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