NEWTON — Students at two Khalsa schools in Surrey were asked to do one simple task on May 26 – make friends with someone outside their own culture.
It’s a simple, yet powerful request the Cycling4Diversity team has been making in schools throughout B.C. for the past six years, thanks to founder Ken Herar.
“Our team has always felt welcomed at the Khalsa schools in Surrey and students were really excited to have a conversation on diversity related topics,” he said.
Herar founded the group in 2010 after he found out he was not welcome at a certain Christmas party because he was South Asian.
He said despite the community support and the incredible response from the schools he visits, much work remains to be done.
“When the question was asked if racism still exists in the area, many of the students expressed concerns,” he said.
Anne-Marie Sjoden is Cycling4Diversity executive director. This was her third ride.
“It always brings joy to me, when I hear the stories on how we have been making a difference in the peoples lives that we have touched,” she said. “And how amazing friendships have formed all because of asking the kids to do one simple task, introducing themselves to some they had not been friends with before today.”
beau.simpson@thenownewspaper.com