History helps us understand how the world came to be the way it is today, which is why children should learn about the past – a conversation I had with Stolen History author Sathnam Sanghera. By learning about the past, we can better understand the present and make informed decisions about the future.

1. Understanding the past. History provides a window into the past, allowing children to understand how societies, cultures, and events have shaped the world they live in today. It helps them develop a sense of identity and a broader perspective on the world around them.
2. Critical thinking and analysis. Studying history cultivates critical thinking skills. It encourages children to analyse and interpret evidence, evaluate different perspectives, and make informed judgments. History teaches them to question, analyse biases, and develop their own opinions based on evidence.
3. Lessons from the past. History offers valuable lessons from past successes and failures. By studying historical events and the decisions made by individuals and societies, children can learn from the consequences. It provides an opportunity to understand the impact of choices and make better-informed decisions in the present and future.
4. Empathy and understanding. Learning history helps children develop empathy and understanding for different cultures, societies, and perspectives. It promotes tolerance, respect, and appreciation for diversity by exposing them to the experiences and struggles of people from different backgrounds and time periods.
5. Development of research skills. History involves researching, gathering information, and analysing primary and secondary sources. These skills are transferable and valuable in various academic disciplines and real-life situations, fostering lifelong learning.
6. Connection to the present. History connects the past to the present, enabling children to recognise patterns, continuity, and change over time. It helps them make connections between historical events and current affairs, fostering a deeper understanding of contemporary issues and their historical roots.
7. Preservation of cultural heritage. Learning history contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage. It helps children appreciate their own cultural heritage and understand the significance of preserving and respecting the traditions, stories, and artifacts of different communities.
8. Citizenship and civic engagement. History plays a crucial role in developing informed and active citizens. By studying the history of their country and the world, children gain a deeper understanding of democratic processes, human rights, social justice, and the responsibilities of being an engaged member of society.

Learning history equips children with valuable knowledge, skills, and perspectives that are crucial for their personal, intellectual, and social development. It empowers them to understand the complexities of the world, learn from the past, and actively participate in shaping a better future.

So why should children learn the truth?

Thanks to the following guests for participating:

Sathnam Sanghera was at The Financial Times, where he worked as a news reporter in the UK and the US. He worked across the paper as Chief Feature Writer, and wrote an award-winning weekly business column. Sanghera joined The Times as a columnist and feature writer in 2007 and is a regular contributor on national radio and TV. He has appeared on programmes including Have I Got News For You and BBC Front Row Late and presented a range of documentaries. This includes The Massacre That Shook The Empire on Channel 4, which was shortlisted for best Factual TV show at the 2019 Asian Media Awards.

He has been shortlisted for the Costa Book Awards twice, for his memoir The Boy With the Topknot and his novel Marriage Material. Empireland was a Sunday Times bestseller that was longlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction, and won the Nibbies Book of the Year for Non-Fiction as well in 2022. Not to mention it was adapted for BBC2 by Kudos/Parti Productions. It featured Bafta-nominated performances, which won a Mipcom Diversify TV Excellence Award. It was also was named Best TV Programme at the 2018 Asian Media Awards and Best Single Drama at the RTS Midlands Awards. We talked about his new book Stolen History: The truth about the British Empire and how it shaped us.

Other wonderful guests who took part:

Darren Weale, PR based in Kent, and a history lover. He is also from the from the Let’s Talk Better campaign.

Parenting teenagers expert and psychologist Angela Karanja.

Shriya Boppana is an Indian American beauty pageant titleholder, activist, author, and on-air personality. She is best known for being Miss India America 2020. Her anti-sex trafficking advocacy work has been featured on ABC as a ‘Future Leader of America,’ Fox 5 as a ‘Voice for the Voiceless,’ and Flaunt Magazine as a ‘New Generation Beauty Pageant Champion.’

Here are some of the resources from the show:

Bestselling authors Dr. Ibram X. Kendi and Nic Stone join “CBS Mornings” to discuss their collaboration on the new book “How to Be a (Young) Antiracist.” The book is a reimagining of Kendi’s influential best-seller for young readers and why children should learn about racism. They also talk about the death of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols in Memphis.

Books looked at this week:

Sathnam Sanghera: Stolen History: The truth about the British Empire and how it shaped us

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi and Nic Stone: How to Be a (Young) Antiracist

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