Diversity Matters at Molesworth Primary School

Teachers and students at Molesworth Primary School have commenced their participation in A Fairer World’s Diversity Matters Everyone Matters program, an initiative designed to build empathy, resilience and inclusion in rural grade 5 and 6 classrooms.

The program uses the Hobart Human Library model, where students listen to real life stories shared by “human books” who have experienced discrimination or stereotyping.

Through guided discussion and creative reflection, students explore what inclusion means in their own lives and communities.

A Fairer World Educational Leader Jodie Epper said the approach creates space for honest and meaningful conversations.

“One of the things I really liked about the session was the conversations that naturally sprang up between the human books and the teachers,” she said.

“When conversations happen, empathy builds and understanding builds, and that’s exactly what the Diversity Matters Everyone Matters program is all about.

It’s about breaking down barriers so that you can see someone as another human.”

Students will participate in two structured sessions.

The first focuses on listening and reflection, helping students understand the impact of exclusion and stereotyping.

The second session encourages students to think about action, exploring how they can become ‘upstanders’ and contribute to more inclusive school communities.

Molesworth Primary School Principal Leanne Smith said the school welcomed the opportunity to take part.

“We are very much looking forward to the sessions with the kids, the human books are amazing people,” she said.

In the coming weeks, students will craft their own stories and creative responses celebrating diversity in their rural community.

These works will be collated into a Diversity Matters eBook and shared with families and the wider community at a celebration assembly in late March.