Pupils from 29 nations unite to show racism the red card

Pupils at Corporation Road Community Primary School, Darlington, showed their support by wearing red and raising money for Show Racism the Red Card, the UK’s leading anti-racism education charity.

The event holds special significance at Corporation Road, where children from more than 29 different countries come together to form one united community. Despite their varied backgrounds and cultures, the school’s pupils, families, and staff stand together in solidarity, collectively saying “No!” to racism.

Ateefa Ahmed, the school's head girl, said: “I love being at Corporation Road School. The staff are very nice, and the children are great to be around. It’s very diverse—we have lots of Muslims, Christians, and more. We learn a lot about different religions and why discrimination is wrong, plus we get a great education.”

Head boy, Mohamed Albadry, added: “Our school isn’t like most schools, but we learn a lot and have very good behavior. Even though a lot of us are from different places, we get along really well.”

Head Girl Ateefa Ahmed and Head Boy Mohamed Albadry, with Deputy Head Charlie Johnson (Image: Chris Barron)

The school, which is part of the Lingfield Education Trust, raised more than £300 for the anti-racism charity.

Deputy headteacher and English lead, Charlie Johnson, said: “It’s crucial for the children to grow up respecting each other and treating others the right way. We’re so proud of them.

“New families join us throughout the year, and it’s just amazing to see how our students welcome them with open arms and make them feel like they belong.”

Nick Blackburn, chief executive of Lingfield Education Trust, said: “As we mark Show Racism the Red Card Day across the whole of our Trust, we are incredibly proud of the way our schools celebrate diversity and foster inclusion.

“The unity shown at Corporation Road Primary by pupils from such a wide range of cultural backgrounds is a testament to the school's commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment for all.

“Events like this not only raise money and awareness, but also empower our young people to stand up against racism, showing the true strength of a community that embraces differences and works together to make a positive impact."

Ateefa summed up the spirit of the day, saying: “We’re all different, but we’re also all the same — we’re all human.”