British School Children to Learn About Slavery

BBC News Online reports that British school children will be required to learn about Britain's involvement in the slave trade, its links to the development of the British Empire and industrial revolution, and the campaign for abolition.

"Pupils will also study characters like Nigerian-born (sic) slave Olaudah Equiano, one of the prominent African figures who campaigned for abolition."

British pupils aged 11 to 14 already have World War I and II, and the Holocaust as compulsory topics in history. Joining slavery on the compulsory list will be an overview of the British Empire - so pupils will also learn about the colonization and decolonization of Africa.

The UK's Children's Minister, Kevin Brennan stated "Although we may be ashamed to admit it, the slave trade is an integral part of British history. It is inextricably linked to trade, colonization, industrialization and the British Empire.".

The director of curriculum at the UK's Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, Mick Waters, added to the discussion by saying "Black history is not just about slavery - it is much broader than that. It is about the contribution that black and Asian people have made throughout history. The benefits are that pupils gain a better appreciation of the multicultural society around them and the contribution they can make."