The Open Minds Project

Charity number: 1192251

The Open Minds Project (TOMP) is a registered UK charity dedicated to advancing education about the lives of Black people, with a particular focus on better representation of ethnic minority children through literature. Founded as a volunteer-led initiative, the charity seeks to address the underrepresentation and misunderstanding of Black people in society, especially within educational resources and cultural narratives.

Mission and Objectives

The primary mission of The Open Minds Project is to promote life-affirming literature featuring inspiring Black characters to provide a more balanced and diverse representation in schools, nurseries, and other public institutions. The charity aims to educate the public, including children and young people, about the experiences and contributions of Black individuals and ethnic minorities, enhancing social understanding and reducing bias.

Activities and Programmes

The Open Minds Project undertakes several key activities to fulfill its mission:

• Provision of Black-authored books and recommendations: The charity supplies schools and nurseries with diverse books that feature Black characters, aiming to reflect a more realistic demographic representation. To date, they have distributed over 2,000 books to educational settings and public facilities.

• Book clubs: TOMP organizes interactive book clubs for adults, including teachers and parents, to encourage healthy conversations about race, identity, and diversity. These clubs sometimes include incentives such as book vouchers and prizes to promote engagement.

• Educational assemblies and events: The charity delivers assemblies at primary and secondary schools and hosts community events that promote positive narratives about Black lives.

• Curriculum audits: The Open Minds Project conducts assessments of school curricula to recommend improvements in diversity and representation within educational materials.

Values and Impact

The organization is committed not only to serving Black communities but also to fostering open-mindedness and positive societal impact across all ethnic groups. By equipping educators, parents, and children with resources and platforms for dialogue, The Open Minds Project supports a more inclusive and informed society.

Leadership

The charity was founded by Grace Toby, who serves as a trustee. With a lifelong passion for books and reading, Toby leads a dedicated team of volunteers committed to the cause.

Through its commitment to education and representation, The Open Minds Project contributes significantly to addressing racial disparities in literature and education within the UK, promoting diversity and inclusivity for future generations.

This article is based on information available from The Open Minds Project's official resources and registered charity details.

[1] https://openminds.org.uk [2] https://openminds.org.uk/o/ [3] https://www.openmindsfoundation.org [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5166443/full-print [5] https://openmindsuk.org.uk