8.7. Protect our future Building the resilience of individuals, families and communities was considered a major factor for change. Participants commonly highlighted children and young people as potential key agents for change and that it was critical to: • Build young people’s self-esteem and resilience One time I remember I had a computer lesson…I couldn't speak English…The students were laughing about me and the teacher told them, 'she's going to be a very clever student, she will have two languages, Arabic and English'. (Former refugee focus group) • Broaden young people’s lived experience with other cultures If people don't have lived experience…they don't understand what it means to live in a multicultural society, whereas if you grow up as children, my daughter went to a primary school where nearly every child in her class was from a different country. You don't need to talk about multiculturalism because it is a lived experience. And where you don't have that, I think we really need to start with the kids. (Provider) • Decolonise the kōrero. A lot of the younger generation are starting to decolonise understandings and decolonise the kōrero. (Te Ika-a-Māui Māori focus group) 8.8. Summary Participants identified numerous opportunities to influence change and address racism in Aotearoa New Zealand: Honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Honour commitments, agreements and partnerships between Māori and the Crown. Address biculturalism to ensure Aotearoa New Zealand is a safe and welcoming country for all multicultural communities. Representation that reflects a diverse Aotearoa New Zealand: Enhance diverse and inclusive leadership within Parliament and across the public sector. A whole of government response is required to address racism and inequities, informed by strong understandings of cultural differences, strengths, and realities for different population groups. Expand our knowledge: Enhance learning opportunities for: • Children and young people: Balanced perspectives on Aotearoa New Zealand history, the importance of equity, and critical thought and consciousness • Migrant groups (recent and established): Rights and entitlements, and increasing understandings about access to support for experiences of racism within communities www.malatest-intl.com Drivers of racism – March 2021 86