Kids learn about inclusion during Pride Week story time

To mark the third day of Brandon Pride Week, young kids and their parents were invited to a special story time at the Western Manitoba Regional Library that featured stories and songs about inclusion, diversity and acceptance.

Assistant librarian Danielle Hubbard read stories to the children at the event. Although the subjects of the books being read were light, the broader message was important.

That’s why Eleysha Klaassen brought her two daughters, Ruby Klaassen and Payton Klaassen, to the reading. Although at three and five years old, they don’t yet understand what Pride Week is, Klaassen said it was still important for them to be there.

"They know that some families dont have a mom and dad, and some have two moms and two dads," Klaassen said. "They see it, so just to teach them when they’re young that it’s OK to be different."

This kind of community outreach is a small thing that could make a big difference in the future said Kenneth Jackson, acting vice-chair for Brandon Pride 2018.

"We’re trying to better fit them for the world that they’re going to grow up in, and part of that world we hope is that it’s an inclusive one," Jackson said.

The main thing is, these children will grow up and one day contribute in some way or another to society.

"Maybe they’re teachers, maybe they’re going to be people who are in government making decisions, even if these are just every day people on the street, that these will be lessons that they’ll carry with them as long as they live."

» mverge@brandonsun.com

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