At the core of this project lies a crucial mission – to tackle hate and promote inclusivity within our community. As stakeholders and individuals who deeply care about the well-being of our society, it is essential to understand the importance of this initiative and the impact it can have on our collective future.
The #EradicateHate 2.0, is an adapted version of the #EradicateHate Toolkit designed specifically for children and youth in Ontario. The primary goal of this Toolkit is to create interactive and relevant content that raises awareness about the impact of online hate and the profound harm it can inflict on individuals and communities. Additionally, aim to provide essential support and resources to empower children and youth to recognize, combat, and effectively counteract online hate.
The project focuses on two distinct age groups: children aged 8-14 years old and youth aged 15-24 years old. By tailoring our efforts to the unique needs and experiences of these age brackets, we can foster a stronger sense of empathy, resilience, and critical thinking among our younger generation.
To engage children and youth effectively, the #EradicateHate 2.0 project utilizes various modes and styles of communication that resonate with them. We leverage the power of storytelling, social media, animations, graphics, posters, cell phone apps, and games to capture their attention and encourage active participation. By leveraging these mediums, we can effectively communicate our message, raise awareness, and equip them with the necessary tools to combat online hate.
Pirathajini Chandrakumar and Noor Fadel, have been actively involved in anti-hate work in the past with their experiences, they, recognized the need for a comprehensive toolkit to address hate specifically within a Canadian context. It became apparent that Canadian-based resources were scarce, and there was a pressing need for service providers, educators, and individuals who work closely with diverse communities to have the necessary tools at their disposal to effectively combat hate.
The project aims to bridge this gap by creating a toolkit that equips stakeholders with the resources and knowledge required to address hate in our society. By providing a comprehensive toolkit, we empower individuals to make a positive change and foster a more inclusive environment. This project recognizes that combating hate is a collective effort, and it requires a community-driven approach.
The personal connection that Pirathajini Chandrakumar brings, who hails from the Tamil community, adds a deeper level of relevance and significance to the project. She understands the challenges and struggles faced by marginalized communities on both a communal and personal level. By preventing hate at its core, we can mitigate its escalation to more serious levels. Our project aligns with the belief that everyone deserves to be welcomed and included, and it seeks to address the issues of belongingness and Canadian identity that are often undermined by hate.
“As a project manager, our team member has played a vital role in developing research ideas and driving them forward. Working closely with the racialized community, parents, and various advocacy groups” as Pirathajini stated. Pirathajini ensures that the content we create is accessible and caters to the diverse needs of the community. This involves translation services, effective community engagement, and considering both macro and micro perspectives to enact meaningful change.
The project has undergone multiple phases. In Phase 1, they conducted surveys, and focus groups, and engaged with key informants to gather valuable insights. Phase 2 involved content development, where they incorporated recommendations from their research to address specific issues. This phase focused on understanding where youth experience online hate and creating animations, graphics, GIFs, and memes to engage and educate them effectively. Furthermore, they developed a mobile app, providing a platform for learning, reporting, and supporting victims of hate.
Currently, they are entering Phase 3, which involves implementation, feedback gathering from youth and organizations, and launching the app. This iterative process ensures that the project remains dynamic and responsive to the needs of our community. Additionally, they are actively reaching out to educators and establishing partnerships to extend the impact of our project.
Throughout their journey, they have come across various research findings that have strengthened our understanding of hate and its consequences. These findings have shaped our approach and reinforced the need for more resources and funding to address this pressing issue. By showcasing the prevalence of hate and its impact, we aim to raise awareness and garner support for continued efforts in combating hate.
As they move forward, their commitment to creating a more inclusive and accepting community remains unwavering. “We believe that with the right tools, education, and community engagement, we can foster positive change and provide a safe and welcoming environment for all”.
