Letter from the Executive Director

As an older parent it always worries me what kind of world, we are living in. The way things look right now, the issues that we face on a day-to-day basis. The challenges and obstacles in front of parents today are difficult to fathom. Parents are in a constant battle to make the best choices and decisions for their children, despite the numerous and diverse views, opinions, cultures, and lifestyles. 

In this newsletter, together with the team, we are sharing an angle that I consider important for any person who wants a better place for their child. It is written to all those adults who have children, love children, or work with children. Within the DEI space, we must start to infuse, imbibe, and integrate the components about DEI into the education system, school structure, and the children’s lifestyle.  I recognize that in this newsletter, you would not receive all the information that can help everyone, but I do hope by at least touching on one angle of this large subject, you the reader,  can start your own research, and investigate other areas on this theme of Single Parenthood and DEI Education in Schools.

Our future belongs to our children to take control. We must act now and be the change for tomorrow.

Happy Reading,

Dr. Sudeep Mohandas

Executive Director

Embracing Single Parents

The definition of parenthood includes not just biological parents, but also step parents, adoptive parents, foster parents, and guardians or custodians. In the practice of day to day, however, these definitions are not as easily applied. Single parents, in particular, are still finding a seat at the table in terms of social and economic support.

In Taiwan, single parenthood – while challenging enough – is viewed through a negative lens, compounding the accompanying social stigma and economic burden. Research has also found that male single parents tend to be given most leeway in the workplace, creating an unfair advantage over female single parents. 

However, Single Parents Rights are emerging as a focus in diversity and inclusion, such as in Singapore, where ongoing conversations around support for single unwed mothers provide hope for a way forward. 

The way we view single parents is also crucial – as the Global Equality Collective (GEC) mentions in an article on single parents – “whether they are included from the books we read to our children, to the comments we make in the boardroom.” 



Diversity and Inclusion Education in Schools

“Can I sit with you?” – Whether that’s a cafeteria table at lunch break, or a classroom desk during group work, being included (or otherwise!) can constitute one of the strongest memories we have as children.

Childhood is also an excellent time to begin talking about what it means to embrace our differences. In schools over the globe, parents and teachers are seeing the importance of engaging in diversity and inclusion conversations with children, and that embracing our differences needs to be modeled by trusted adults. PBS Kids’ Dr. Aisha White, director of the P.R.I.D.E. (Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education) Program, recommends the use of children’s books are a great way to start these conversations, and can help kids not just learn about diversity, but what it means to champion it.

This is an ongoing process in different parts of the globe: In Japan, a study showed that key factors like communication and school culture are crucial for both international parents and children enrolling in Japanese schools. In the Caribbean region, research has also showed that while some countries are transitioning towards inclusion, segregation is still common, and teachers need additional training support to encourage inclusion in the classroom.

News and Upcoming Events

The Centre has developed its Strategic Plan 2022-2025. It is an ambitious program that will excite our donors, contributors, and supporters. As we commence this journey,  we humbly ask for donations.

We have set up committees to tackle each Strategy we have set. We have a team of bright diverse volunteers working to see our strategic plan is achieved.

To achieve our dream of how we can provide significant support to all regions of the globe in their DEI work and practices requires financial support. Our budget reflects the multi-million dollar needs to achieve the results we seek for our followers and users of our products and services around the globe.   

Through your donations, we will be able to move forward and guide more people. We all share the same goal of making the world inclusive for all.

Sincere thanks to our 2022 sponsors

To review past newsletters from The Centre for Global Inclusion, click HERE