A Co Antrim primary school is celebrating after being named Anti-Racism School of the Year award at the Advancing Racial Equality Awards.
Mallusk Integrated PS received the accolade at an event in Derry's Waterfoot Hotel on Thursday night.
The Advancing Race Equality Awards recognise individuals, teams, groups, or networks that have been leading action, removing barriers and enhancing the inclusion of and engagement with ethnic minority people across Northern Ireland – from the workplace to the delivery of services.
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The North West Migrants Forums Advancing Race Equality Awards, which were launched only last year, are the only awards in Northern Ireland that recognise and reward individuals and organisations for promoting racial justice, equality, and inclusion.
Across Northern Ireland, ordinary communities are coming together to advance Race Equality, often with little or no resources. New links are being forged to help address racial inequalities and all the nominees were recognised for their various achievements nationwide.
The Advancing Race Equality Awards recognise the incredible efforts of these ordinary people and also highlights an important national conversation about how to value, support and sustain such efforts given the many challenges ahead.
Amongst those honoured were charities, campaigners and activists from all walks of life.
Mallusk Integrated PS, which has 114 pupils, transformed into controlled integrated status in 2015 with support from none other than Hollywood superstar, Liam Neeson.
The school was nominated for this award by a parent and is delighted to have been named Anti-Racism School of the Year.
Principal Susanne Kinsella said the school is very proud of this recognition of its inclusive ethos, which celebrates and embraces diversity.
"Our aim to recognise diversity, challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion is woven through all we do," she said.
"From the dolls played with in role-play, to books the children read, to the celebration of cultural and religious festivals, our children learn to embrace and celebrate difference, learning from and about each other."
She added: "We challenge stereotypes and educate about and with each other. We celebrate events like Eid, Chinese New Year and various other cultural markers and festivals throughout the year so very much an inclusive ethos.
"We are over the moon to have won the Anti Racism School of the Year award. As a small yet growing school, to have this recognition seven years after transitioning to integrated status makes us very proud. We're so grateful to our amazing staff, governors, parents and carers and of course our fabulous children."
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