One step at a time
An initiative to represent diversity
Tell us about your project! What was the intention?
The rainbow stair project was a collaborative effort between me and multiple stakeholders, which resulted in the transformation of the staircase leading up to the library. The staircase is now dedicated to the LGBT Pride flag while also carrying the empowering words of international authors and activities.
This project was born through the intention of bringing to life our community's commitment to making everyone feel welcome and accepted, whilst also increasing LGBTQ+ visibility on campus and illustrating the fact that our school should be an inclusive space. The addition of quotes was originally intended to create a link between awareness and reading, however, it quickly turned into an opportunity to showcase diversity in terms of language as well!
Tell us more about your process.
At the beginning of the project I reached out to Mr. Collong and PRISM for their help and assistance with this project. They loved the idea I pitched and were more than happy to lend their support. This collaborative effort involved me coming into PRIMS meetings asking questions like: ”What flag to use?” and PRISM offering their insights. I also went into a Middle School Equality group (MS Equality) meetings where I would present the project and my thought process to a lot of critical thinking Middle School students. I always left both PRISM and MS Equality meetings feeling more knowledgeable and enthusiastic!
Another individual who guided me through this complex process was Mr. Wittig. If it weren't for High School UNshelved (the library service) and it's creative as well empowering atmosphere – the idea would have never formed. Mr. Wittig also directed me towards possible contacts for communication, including Mr. Collong and Mrs. Ellie Alchin.
More technically, the project also required some more formal features including a digital mock-up of the design and the placement of quotes. Mrs. Alchin presented the idea to the Facilities Committee and after receiving approval, the mock-up was remodelled according to the dimensions of the stairs.
"Upon completion, I was extremely proud to see the final project, as I had invested a lot of time and energy into making my idea a reality. However what was most fulfilling to me, was when I got to hear about how this project affected and inspired people."
What's the next step of this project?
We will be creating a podcast, in which people will read out quotes in their mother tongue whilst offering an English translation and a quick biography about the author/ activist. Through this I hope to invite people on a journey of appreciation regarding language and culture as well as encourage others to do what I did, listen!
Learn more about PRISM
instagram.com/prism_uwcdover/
Built with Shorthand
