# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Explore the life of Nelson Mandela, from prisoner to president, and how he ended apartheid. Find out more with BBC Bitesize KS1 History.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Nelson Mandela Day in United Nations in 2024 | There is a Day for that!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Read about Nelson Mandela Day in United Nations in 2024. Since 2009, Nelson Mandela’s birthday has been celebrated as a chance to honor his life and inspire others to take action to change the world for the better.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In 2009, when the United Nations General Assembly declared Nelson Mandela's 18 July birthday Nelson Mandela International Day, Madiba called on the people of the world to honour him by helping their communities.

For the Nelson Mandela Foundation, our focus and messaging will be based on promoting community and home-based gardens, supporting fruit and indigenous tree planting, and creating awareness of the intersections between food security and climate change. In 2022 we will be highlighting the plight of food security and climate change with the tagline, "Do what you can, with what you have,
where you are."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In 2009, when the United Nations General Assembly declared Nelson Mandela's 18 July birthday Nelson Mandela International Day, Madiba called on the people of the world to honour him by helping their communities.

# data[].attributes.headline
Jersey Heritage Education Padlet Resource

# data[].attributes.subject
Jersey Heritage Education Padlet Resource

# data[].attributes.body
Deep dive into two powerful campaigns against race inequality

# data[].attributes.headline
Your Story, Our History: Race relations legislation

# data[].attributes.subject
Your Story, Our History: Race relations legislation

# data[].attributes.body
Support Young People’s thinking around racism, equality, discrimination and legislation.

# data[].attributes.headline
Activity Pack to help get young people thinking about diversity

# data[].attributes.subject
Activity Pack to help get young people thinking about diversity

# data[].attributes.body
Activities for your school or youth group to help get young people thinking about diversity (wigan.gov.uk)

# data[].attributes.body
Communities | Island Identity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Uniting our Community(ies)

About half of the people who live in Jersey were born here, and in some quarters there is a reticence to discuss identity - and to adopt the language of nationhood - for fear that it is exclusionary to new arrivals. Certainly, care must be taken that by defining some ideal of 'Jerseyness' we do not alienate people with different views and backgrounds, nor impose an unwanted homogeneity on a vigorously diverse community. However, discovering and celebrating what people themselves value about the Island can help provide common focal points for our growing and increasingly-diverse population. Furthermore, nations which have a strong sense of national identity - Canada, Australia, the USA, New Zealand and Scotland, for example - are often among the best at integrating immigrant communities and giving them a strong sense of something they proudly now belong to.

Jersey has long enjoyed several linguistic and cultural communities (English, Breton, French) existing alongside the Jèrriais-speaking population. Particularly in the last two generations, these have been enriched by migrants from Europe, the UK, Africa and the rest of the world. The Board was very conscious that their task was not to define (or somehow 'preserve') a national identity, but rather to take a closer look at the many strands which now compose it, and the shared attributes which have the potential to unite us. For example, pro rata Jersey has the world's largest Portuguese speaking minority. How can Portuguese and Madeiran culture be celebrated as itself part of Jersey, and Portuguese and Madeiran communities feel a sense of connection, belonging and pride in their adopted Island - as those from Brittany and Italy now do?

The Board recognises that it barely scratched the surface of this question, and indeed one of its findings is that a lot more research should be done on barriers to integration and on how Islanders - recent and longstanding - view themselves and their home. However, in the course of its interviews and discussions a few ideas emerged which could contribute to engaging and uniting our diverse communities. These included expanding the role of the Island's Honorary Consuls, ensuring government documents are properly communicated to minority communities, and celebrating when migrants to Jersey gain housing and employment rights.

Most of all, though, uniting our communities requires establishing common reference points through citizenship, education, culture and sport (see below). A National Day could also provide a focal point to rally Jersey's diverse inhabitants, with Liberation Day currently proving the most popular among the several candidates which the Board and reviewers considered.

Parishes

The Parish Assembly is a distinctive feature of direct democracy in Jersey and provides an arena for grass-roots politics, within which a sense of engagement and involvement with the political life of Jersey can be fostered. The Honorary Police is one of the oldest police forces in existence, and embodies the best Peelian principles of policing by consent. The Parish Hall Enquiry system has been celebrated as a highly effective model for restorative justice, with minor offences dealt with at a community level in a way that does not necessarily criminalise first-time offenders. Meanwhile, the twice annual Branchage and the Visite Royale are both examples of important historic rituals that form part of Jersey's Identity.

The Board highlighted these aspects of the venerable Parish system as examples of Jersey's identity particularly worth celebrating. It also noted the value of the twinning system, which sees Jersey communities tied to others in France and (now) Madeira. It hopes that the Comité des Connétables can be supported to find new ways to enhance public engagement with the Parishes - and in particular the Parish Assemblies - including in particular ways to get young people and new arrivals involved. Many democracies are now experimenting with 'citizens' assemblies'; Jersey has recognised their value for generations.

Language

One of the most distinctive aspects of Jersey's culture is its unique linguistic heritage. Historically, there were 'les trais langues': Jèrriais in the home and the fields, French in church, law and the States, and English for commerce and the military. These have now been joined by Portuguese, Polish and other tongues. The strengths of Jersey as a multilingual small island nation can be built on to reinforce identity, belonging and human capital.

Jèrriais is in the DNA of Jersey - a crucial historical aspect of our identity. To quote Professor of Linguistics Paul Birt, 'There are few languages I know with such a richness of expression, some of her idioms are poetry... Jèrriais belongs to Jersey, and without it Jersey would, I believe, stop being Jersey.' However, if we can agree that we should not allow Jèrriais to die, then we must fund its revival properly. Jèrriais should be an integral part of our Island Identity, promoted by Government, the States, businesses and organisations, and can be used as a unique selling point to those beyond our shores, also helping to differentiate us further from neighbouring countries. Teaching it in schools can embed a sense identification, pride and citizenship in Jersey school children, regardless of background.

French is also one of the crucial components of Jersey's cultural heritage and identity. It is important for its own sake as the language of our nearest neighbour, and as a stepping stone to Jèrriais comprehension. Jersey has its own variety of French whose peculiarities it would be a shame to lose. The Board felt that as a participant in the international Francophonie organisation and parliamentary association we should be as proud of our Francophone identity as Belgium, Switzerland, Canada are of theirs. It also suggested we revert to using the centuries-old name of the Channel Islands - Îles de la Manche - rather than the recent Parisian invention of Îles anglo-normandes, which has usurped it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
About half of the people who live in Jersey were born here, and in some quarters there is a reticence to discuss identity - and to adopt the language of nationhood - for fear that it is exclusionary to new arrivals.

# data[].attributes.body
Defining Jersey | Island Identity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Questions of identity – how we see ourselves and how others see us – are actually far from simple. Jersey is bursting with stories to tell. But none of these stories alone can tell us what it means to be Jersey.

# data[].attributes.body
Resources | Island Identity

# data[].attributes.body
Arts and culture attractions | Visit Jersey

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Spa Icon Restaurant Icon Pool Icon Pets Icon Outdoors (Night) Icon Hearing Loop Icon Family Friendly Daytime Icon Couples Icon Children Icon Catering Icon Bars & Pubs Icon

Soak it up.

With a canvas as beautiful as Jersey, and a rich and multi-layered history, it's no wonder why Jersey has museums and galleries tucked around every corner of the island. Explore the streets of St. Helier and you'll uncover arty spots and cultural gems to keep you entertained. Venture out around the island and you'll find galleries and jewels to explore. Soak up Jersey's cultural scene for a truly artistic escape.

Looking for some inspiration?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Arts and culture attractions | Visit Jersey

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Spa Icon Restaurant Icon Pool Icon Pets Icon Outdoors (Night) Icon Hearing Loop Icon Family Friendly Daytime Icon Couples Icon Children Icon Catering Icon Bars & Pubs Icon Soak it up. With a canvas as beautiful as Jersey, and a rich and multi-layered history, it's no wonder why Jersey has museums and galleries tucked around every corner of the island.

# data[].attributes.body
History and Heritage Attractions | Visit Jersey

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Spa Icon Restaurant Icon Pool Icon Pets Icon Outdoors (Night) Icon Hearing Loop Icon Family Friendly Daytime Icon Couples Icon Children Icon Catering Icon Bars & Pubs Icon

Delve deeper into Jersey's past.

Jersey is renowned for its heritage sites which immerse you in our rich and diverse past. From days of old, uncover our top history & heritage locations in Jersey. Step back in time as you explore castles, museums, bunkers and dolmens that hold the secrets and tales of times gone by. Encounter the guardians of Jersey past on your island break - Jersey Heritage, The National Trust for Jersey and the Channel Island Occupation Society, along with many other dedicated custodians, are caring for and sharing these special places.

Looking for some inspiration?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
History and Heritage Attractions | Visit Jersey

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Spa Icon Restaurant Icon Pool Icon Pets Icon Outdoors (Night) Icon Hearing Loop Icon Family Friendly Daytime Icon Couples Icon Children Icon Catering Icon Bars & Pubs Icon Delve deeper into Jersey's past. Jersey is renowned for its heritage sites which immerse you in our rich and diverse past.

# data[].attributes.body
People and Culture | Visit Jersey

# data[].attributes.body
Course Categories | Culture Jersey

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Jersey has a wealth of organisations, clubs and societies involved in the arts and heritage.

# data[].attributes.body
Directory | Culture Jersey

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Jersey has a wealth of organisations, clubs and societies involved in the arts and heritage.

# data[].attributes.body
Grants and Funding | Culture Jersey