It’s Anti-Racism week in Riveria
This week is Anti-Racism Week in Riveria. At Riveria, a wide range of events, activities and opportunities are available to pause and reflect on prejudices and equality. We challenged Riveria’s Rector, Esa Karvinen, and the Chair of Overia, Ellinoora Lukkarinen, to complete the Anti-Racism Week Bucket List, which anyone can use to tick off their own actions to prevent racism and promote equality.
You can always be kind to others
During Anti-Racism Week, it is important to stop and think about how racism appears in all of our everyday lives. I personally used Riveria’s bucket list as a tool for reflection, choosing actions through which I intend to act against racism. In the end, I ticked every box.
I greet people I don’t know
I think this is a nice gesture every day. Greeting people you pass can create a good feeling for both sides.
I am kind to others
This is simply good manners. You can always be kind to other people.
I intervene in racist behaviour
I believe it is important to intervene in racist behaviour when you witness it. I always try to step in when possible.
I do not promote racist discussion on social media
There is a lot of racism on social media, and you encounter it constantly. I do not want to contribute to it in any way, so I do not like or share racist posts.
I reflect on my own prejudices
It is important to pause and reflect on your own prejudices. Then you can take action if you notice attitudes in yourself that need to change. Racism and prejudice can also be discussed with others.
Ellinoora Lukkarinen
president
Overia
Breaking boundaries, not people
This week is anti-racism week at Riveria – it’s a moment when we stop together to reflect on how we can build an even safer, more respectful and equal learning environment for all of us.
We all have prejudices, including me. They can arise without us noticing, from habits, environment or experiences. What is important is that we dare to examine them openly and honestly. When we recognize our own ways of thinking, we can also change them – and that has a huge impact on how we meet each other.
At Riveria, everyone belongs and everyone has the right to feel safe and valued for who they are. Equality is not just a word, but everyday actions: stopping to listen, asking questions, not assuming, and above all, treating each other with respect.
I encourage you all to use this week against racism as an opportunity: to stop and think about what kind of preconceptions you have, to ask yourself how I can promote equality in my own everyday life and how I can do small things that can be really big for someone else.
A safe and open Riveria is built on the actions of each of us. Have a good week everyone!
Warmest regards,
Esa Karvinen
Principal
Riveria