Meeting the Needs of Students with Diverse Backgrounds

Abstract

I am delighted to present this book to you, as it represents the views and scholarship of a very special group of friends and colleagues with very different experiences of diversity and inclusion. The book is for anyone who wants to reflect on this subject in some depth. The 12 chapters are crafted to give the reader knowledge and under-standing as well as focusing on the skills that are needed to cope with diversity and inclusion in the context that is relevant for them. To make diversity and inclusion a successful reality, education is an important factor and so many of the authors are professionals in this field. The book is very suitable for those studying the subject, either at undergraduate or postgraduate level, and will appeal to those in educa-tional, medical and social work fields. However, the general reader will find much to interest them within the chapters. The narratives tell compelling stories from around the world and I have learnt a great deal in the process of editing these chap-ters. Do enjoy your read and celebrate the vibrancy of the society we live in, due to the many fascinating differences that exist between us. The aim of the book is to make us more aware and informed about the issues that help or hinder the accept-ance of diversity. The goal, for all of us, is a society in which each of us is valued equally and given the respect their uniqueness deserves.