Reconciliation Week in Australia

This is the work of the kindergarten children in my neighbourhood. Their thoughts and feelings expressed by these hearts which they have done for reconciliation week just gone -  A more accurate teaching of history with clear and resonant messages for young lives growing up in Australia. 

From the NRW website I quote "National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The sentiments expressed are important as a way of reading and teaching history and for raising the young Australians to have a clearer and more accurate view of what happened and why." 

I look at Cyprus and how we have faced history and the teaching of it. I appreciate that in years past histories were skewed - but 60 or more years since gaining independence from Britain, it seems we have introduced little to reconcile histories or be more accurate of the responsibilities of governments and people and the true facts. Time is running out for Cyprus but reconciliation is where work needs to be done. 

"Giving respect is a prerequisite to advancement" says Anthony Albanese on Insiders.

My personal thanks to Renee Mitchell from Goodstart Learning Centre who was kind enough to allow me to photograph these beautiful hearts.