Peel - Peel District School Board students from kindergarten to grade 12 will celebrate Asian Heritage Month at two Spotlight on Asian Heritage events at the HJA Brown Education Centre in Mississauga. Through multimedia presentations and interactive group activities presented by The 411 Initiative for Change, students will learn about the diverse and vibrant Asian cultures that are driving forces in contemporary Canada. Kindergarten to grade 6 students will attend the presentation on April 28, and students in grades 7 to 12 will attend on May 28.

"Asian Heritage Month allows students to learn more about the rich culture and traditions of the Asian community, as well as the considerable contributions of Asian Canadians," says Jim Grieve, director of education. "Peel schools are committed to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of various communities throughout the year, and Spotlight on Asian Heritage is one of the many events that helps integrate heritage into everyday school life."

Hosted by Flow 93.5 FM radio personality rez Digital, the two Spotlight on Asian Heritage events will explore issues of racism, integration and belonging from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Artists participating include musician Masia One, actress Anita Majumdar, photographer Che Kothari and poet and singer Rosina Kazi. Through dialogue, music, theatre and dance, the artists will work to create an understanding of the significant contributions of various Asian people in Canada and the world throughout time.

The 411 Initiative for Change undertakes public education and the promotion of civic participation of young people on social issues that frame their development within their communities. The organization works to build and strengthen the national action movement on common global issues in their domestic and international contexts.

May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada to acknowledge the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to our country. It also provides an opportunity for Canadians across the country to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of Asian Canadians to the growth and prosperity of Canada. The Government of Canada officially recognized May as the Asian Heritage Month in May 2002.

Many Peel board schools are holding Asian heritage activities throughout the month of May. Centennial Senior Public School in Brampton will be holding a special assembly on May 23 consisting of dance presentations, a cultural fashion show and a display of flags made by Centennial students.

In Mississauga, Lancaster Public School is dedicating three days to dual-language book reading. Starting at 8:45 a.m. on May 7, 14 and 21, Lancaster students will get together to read simultaneously in English and a South Asian language.

Both Spotlight on Asian Heritage events will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The HJA Brown Education Centre is located at 5650 Hurontario Street in Mississauga. Centennial Senior Public School is located at 50 Ladore Drive in Brampton. Lancaster Public School is located at 7425 Netherwood Road in Mississauga.