Fostering Inclusive Practices for Children of Other Cultures: A Children's Theatre Approach

With globalization, there is an increase in migration of people driven by a variety of factors like economic opportunities, access to quality education, war and conflicts, availability of social amenities, and in recent times, climate change. It has therefore become imperative to understand how to foster inclusive practices for children from other cultures to promote social cohesion, peaceful cohabitation, and equitable learning environments. This preliminary study delves into understanding the multifacetedlandscape of cultural diversity and integration. It will explore diverse viewpoints, experiences, complexities, and challenges in crafting inclusive spaces for children in a multicultural environment. Furthermore, it will interrogate the complexities in an ever-evolving cultural tapestry of their memories, experiences, and emotions to define their identities and personalities and weigh their capacities to remain connected to their original cultures. Through quantitative research involving questionnaires, the study engages children in Junior Secondary Schools in discovering challenges, strategies, and benefits of creating inclusive spaces for them in their new environments. The outcome of this research is to pave the way for further studies with children through theatrical productions to highlight the importance of cultural responsiveness, intercultural communication, embracing cultural diversity, addressing the unique needs of children from other cultures, and equipping them in their multicultural journey.Finally, this study will unravel nuanced experiences, identity issues, societal shifts, and cultural boundaries that children grapple with, which affect their perception and reception of other cultures.