On 8th November,2024, Touch of Love hosted an impactful session for our 11–15 age group, focusing on addressing systemic racism in their lives, anchored by Anti racism.

With Aberdeen’s increasingly diverse and dynamic population, it’s more important than ever to create spaces where young people can have open and honest discussions about race. The session introduced the group to the Anti-Racism Observatory of Scotland (AROS), a new organization dedicated to fighting racism and promoting equality. Participants explored the functions and future goals of AROS while gaining a deeper understanding of systemic racism—and how they can play a role in challenging it.

This session encouraged young people to share their personal experiences with racism and microaggressions, which many have faced in schools, online, and in everyday life. By speaking out, they are learning to build trust, widen perspectives, and develop the confidence to address racial harms and inequalities in their own lives.

One participant shared: "The session was a richly informative day. There were so many moments that were moving, inspiring, difficult, challenging, and thought-provoking. I left feeling fuelled to continue… This session has taught me the most powerful way of shifting people's thinking and attitudes! I have a lot to reflect upon and actions to create going forward."

The speaker provided a nuanced and empathetic understanding of the impact of racial harm, encouraging young people to foster a culture of openness and dialogue. Together, they explored how to challenge and dismantle racial inequalities while defining for themselves who they want to be, how they want to be seen, and what they stand for.

This session was about equipping young people with the tools and confidence to create a more respectful, inclusive, and equitable future for everyone.