Tuesday 01-10-2024 - 10:00

Decolonising the curriculum is a movement that’s not only reshaping education, but also ties directly into this year’s Black History Month theme of ‘Reclaiming Narratives’. 

What it means 

• Challenging the traditional Eurocentric focus in universities, where Western ideas, authors, and histories dominate.
• Expanding the perspectives and voices that are represented in our education. 
• Incorporating knowledge from cultures, communities, and thinkers that have often been overlooked or silenced.

This includes asking important questions like: 

• Whose stories are we learning? 
• Which authors are on our reading lists? 
• Why do certain narratives get prioritized while others are left out?

Decolonisation is not about discarding what we’ve learned, but about reclaiming the narratives of those whose voices have been excluded ( e.g. people from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Indigenous communities, and other non-Western backgrounds.) 

Why This Matters

In today’s global society, education should reflect the richness of human experiences. When we only hear a narrow range of voices, we miss out on the full picture. 

“The danger of a single story is that it creates stereotypes. And the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete.” - Chimamanda Ngoz Adichie

If our education only gives us part of the story, we limit our understanding of the world and the complexities of different cultures, histories, and ideas. Decolonising the curriculum allows us to question power structures, better understand colonial histories, and explore how these histories impact society today. 

It’s also about inclusivity! Every student should feel seen and valued in their education, knowing that their culture and identity are represented and respected in what they study.

How You Can Get Involved

This campaign is not just for academics - it’s something that *we, as students, can take part in*. Here are a few ways you can help support decolonising the curriculum:

• ⁠Join the Book Scavenger Hunt: Explore diverse authors and texts through our library scavenger hunt, discovering new perspectives.
• Suggest Books to the Library: If you come across works from underrepresented communities, suggest them to be added to our library collection.
• Read Widely: Engage with diverse voices in literature. The more we read, the more we understand.
• ⁠Watch Historical Films: Check out documentaries and films that tell stories from marginalized communities or explore histories often overlooked.

Small Steps, Big Impact

Decolonising the curriculum is a long-term process, but progress is happening here at UWTSD and in Unis across Wales and England. It’s not just about swapping out textbooks; it’s about transforming how we pursue knowledge and ensuring a more inclusive, diverse, and meaningful educational experience for everyone.

xoxo,  
Rhobyn Grant  
Lampeter Campus President
 

Black History Month Events

If you'd like to take part in Black History Month events happening in your campus - you can find more information at the Black History Month page!