Wirral pupils given lesson on hate crime (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral pupils given lesson on hate crime

3:19pm Friday 13th July 2012 in News By Geoff Barnes

Supt Rowley with pupils from Woodchurch High School

A SENIOR police officer gave Wirral youngsters a classroom warning about hate crime this week.

Supt Rowley Moore spoke to seven and eight-year pupils at Woodchurch High about the importance of developing good relationships with all types of people.

Supt Moore, who is black, told the youngsters he had often been challenged about his raced and colour - yet he had always endeavoured to give people respect and treat them with dignity.

He shared personal experiences with them to explain the importance of people working together in the community so that everyone can live peacefully. He also educated them about the importance of stamping out racism.

Superintendent Moore said: “I am pleased to have this opportunity to discuss with young people their role in making a better future for us all.

"Having shared real life events with pupils and explained the serious consequences of individuals' actions, I hope that the pupils now have a better understanding of why issues such as fighting racism, promoting cohesion and helping all different sections of the community are important to all our futures."

The event was organised by Wirral Council's minority ethnic achievement service, which works across primary and secondary schools throughout the borough aiming to raise achievement, remove language barriers, provide access to the curriculum, raise self-esteem and encourage social integration.

Councillor Tony Smith, Wirral Council cabinet member for children's services and lifelong learning, said: "This was a great opportunity for the pupils to meet with a member of the police force who has had to overcome issues of racism and discrimination.

"The pupils were able to identify how strong values and belief in justice and integrity has influenced his views.

"I am sure that they have learnt a lot from Superintendent Moore."