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The Role of Education in Shaping Perceptions of Equality and Diversity

Equality and diversity are essential to inclusivity, fairness and social cohesion. Equality ensures that individuals have the same opportunities and are treated fairly, irrespective of their race, gender, age or background. Diversity, on the other hand, celebrates and respects differences in identities, experiences and perspectives and contributes to a richer, more dynamic society.

Education plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions and attitudes towards equality and diversity. Schools, universities and other educational institutions are not just places of learning but also key environments where values, social norms and understandings of others are developed. Through the curriculum, the culture within schools and the influence of educators, education can either reinforce or challenge societal biases.

Today, we will explore how educational systems and practices contribute to the understanding and acceptance of equality and diversity. We will look at how different levels of education, from early childhood to higher education, along with teacher training, influence the ways in which individuals perceive and engage with issues of fairness, respect and inclusivity.

Understanding Equality and Diversity

Equality and diversity are two important concepts that, when applied, together, create a more inclusive and fair society. 

  • Equality refers to the principle that all individuals should have the same rights, opportunities and access to resources, regardless of their race, gender, age, disability or socio-economic background. It seeks to eliminate discrimination and ensure that everyone is treated fairly and justly.
  • Diversity, on the other hand, acknowledges and celebrates the differences between people and recognises the value of different perspectives, experiences, cultures and identities. Diversity encourages respect for and inclusion of all individuals, regardless of their differences.

Equality and diversity are deeply interconnected. While equality focuses on providing a level playing field for all individuals, diversity emphasises the importance of embracing and respecting those differences that make people unique. True equality cannot be achieved without recognising diversity, as different individuals or groups may require different forms of support or treatment to reach an equal outcome. For example, providing the same educational resources to all students does not necessarily result in equality if some students face additional challenges, such as language barriers or disabilities. In this context, a diverse approach that considers individual needs is essential for achieving equality.

These two concepts are relevant across various societal contexts, including workplaces, educational institutions and community spaces. In the workplace, equality ensures that all employees have the same access to promotions, training and job opportunities, while diversity promotes a culture where different perspectives are valued. In educational settings, promoting both equality and diversity creates inclusive learning environments where all students feel valued and respected.

Perceptions of equality and diversity influence behaviours, interactions and decisions in everyday life. For example, in the hiring process, an employer committed to both equality and diversity would ensure that candidates are evaluated based on their skills and qualifications, while also actively seeking to create a diverse workforce that reflects different backgrounds and experiences. This not only prevents discrimination but also enriches the workplace with varied perspectives.

In daily social interactions, how people treat each other, whether they are respectful of different cultures, religions or identities, reflects their understanding of diversity and commitment to equality. For example, a teacher who works to create an inclusive classroom by highlighting diverse cultures and histories alongside a traditional curriculum encourages students to appreciate differences and question stereotypes. Similarly, a community centre that offers services in multiple languages ensures equal access for all members and recognises the diverse linguistic needs of its population.

Ultimately, perceptions of equality and diversity shape societal norms and practices. When individuals and institutions embrace both, they contribute to more harmonious and fair environments where differences are celebrated and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

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The Educational System as a Catalyst

In the UK, the educational system plays an integral role in shaping young people’s perceptions of equality and diversity. Schools and educational institutions don’t just provide academic knowledge, they are also important environments where children and young people develop values, attitudes and social awareness. Through carefully designed curricula, inclusive teaching methods and a supportive school culture, the educational system can significantly influence how students understand and embrace concepts of equality and diversity.

The UK’s national curriculum offers an opportunity to embed principles of equality and diversity across various subjects. This approach encourages students to develop a sense of fairness, respect for others and an appreciation of diversity from an early age. Teaching methods that promote active learning, discussion and critical thinking further improve students’ ability to engage with these concepts meaningfully.

In many UK schools, creating an inclusive school culture is a big priority. This involves creating an environment where all students, regardless of their background, feel valued and respected. Programmes such as anti-bullying initiatives, mental health support and inclusive extracurricular activities are often used to promote equality and diversity within the wider school culture. School assemblies, for example, frequently address topics like racism, gender equality and disability awareness and help to create a school ethos that reinforces respect for diversity.

Equality and diversity are not confined to a single subject but are increasingly being incorporated into the content of various disciplines in the UK curriculum. For example, in history lessons, students learn about key movements such as the civil rights movement, women’s suffrage and colonialism, which helps to provide historical context for current issues of equality. In English literature, students explore works by diverse authors which helps them appreciate perspectives from different cultures and backgrounds and helps to build empathy and awareness of different lived experiences.

In subjects like Citizenship and PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education), students explicitly engage with topics such as human rights, discrimination, identities, diversity and social justice. These subjects encourage discussions about identity, equality and the role individuals can play in promoting an inclusive society. Additionally, RE (Religious Education) explores various world religions and beliefs which can help students develop a deeper understanding of religious diversity and encourage respect for different faiths.

Representation is a powerful tool in shaping students’ perceptions of equality and diversity. The portrayal of individuals from different backgrounds in textbooks, classroom materials and educational media has a significant impact on how students view themselves and others. When students see a wide range of ethnicities, genders and abilities represented in their learning materials, it promotes a sense of inclusion and belonging. In recent years, UK textbooks and educational media have increasingly included more diverse figures in subjects such as history, science and literature. This broader representation helps to challenge stereotypes and emphasises the contributions of people from diverse backgrounds to various fields.

Educational media, including documentaries, films and digital learning platforms, also play a role in representing diversity. Resources such as BBC Bitesize frequently include content that promotes inclusive messages and diverse voices. These media resources allow students to access information from a wide range of perspectives and encourage them to think critically about issues of equality and diversity in contemporary society.

By embedding the principles of equality and diversity into the curriculum and the school culture, schools can help young people to become more open-minded, empathetic and respectful individuals. Through education, young people gain the tools they need to actively contribute to a more equal and inclusive society. 

Early Childhood Education

Introducing the concepts of equality and diversity at an early age is essential to encourage young minds to become more empathetic, respectful and inclusive. Early childhood is a formative period where children begin to form their understanding of the world, including how they perceive themselves and others. By learning about equality and diversity from a young age, children develop a sense of fairness and respect for differences, which can have a lasting positive impact on their social and emotional development.

Research suggests that children as young as three can recognise differences in race, gender and other identities. Without guided understanding, these differences can sometimes lead to biases or discriminatory attitudes, even unintentionally. Therefore, teaching concepts of equality and diversity in early childhood education helps prevent the development of negative stereotypes, promotes empathy and encourages children to embrace and celebrate diversity.

In early childhood education, various strategies can be used to promote inclusive attitudes among young learners. These strategies focus on creating a welcoming, respectful environment where all children feel valued, regardless of their background, abilities or differences. These strategies include:

  • Inclusive storytelling and books
    Storytelling is a powerful way to introduce children to diverse perspectives and experiences. Teachers can read books that feature characters from different cultural, ethnic and social backgrounds, characters with disabilities, and books featuring different types of families and characters that don’t conform to traditional gender roles. These stories provide opportunities to discuss similarities and differences in a positive light and can promote acceptance and understanding. Books such as All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, What Happened to You by James Catchpole and My Shadow is Purple by Scott Stuart highlight diversity in ways that resonate with young children.
  • Diverse play materials
    Providing a variety of toys, dolls and play materials that reflect different cultures, races, genders and abilities encourages children to engage with diversity in their play. For example, having dolls of different skin tones, costumes from various cultural traditions or toys that represent children with disabilities (such as dolls with wheelchairs) helps to create an environment where diversity is normalised and celebrated.
  • Role-playing and group activities
    Role-playing activities allow children to see the world from different perspectives. Through guided activities, such as playing ‘family’ with different cultural traditions or reenacting stories that focus on fairness and inclusivity, children develop empathy and learn how to interact respectfully with others.
  • Open discussions on differences
    Teachers in early childhood settings often initiate open discussions about diversity, which helps children understand that differences in appearance, language or abilities are normal and should be respected. Simple discussions about different family structures, cultural holidays or even physical abilities create a space for children to ask questions and learn in a supportive environment.
  • Celebrating diversity through events
    Many early childhood programmes incorporate celebrations of cultural diversity into their calendar. These events might include learning about different holidays, such as Diwali, Chinese New Year, Eid al-Fitr, Christmas and Hanukkah, or hosting ‘cultural days’ where children and their families share traditions, foods or music from their backgrounds. These experiences promote understanding and appreciation of the richness that diversity brings to a community.

There are many successful ways nurseries and schools in the UK promote understanding of equality and diversity in young learners, including:

  • Anti-bias curriculum
    The anti-bias curriculum is a framework designed to help children understand and respect diversity while also challenging unfairness and bias. It involves age-appropriate activities that encourage children to recognise and reject stereotypes, respect differences and understand the concept of fairness. This curriculum promotes identity development while encouraging children to stand up for fairness, even in their play.
  • The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework
    In the UK, the EYFS framework emphasises the importance of providing inclusive learning experiences for all children. It encourages educators to create environments where children feel a sense of belonging and understand the importance of respecting others’ differences. The EYFS highlights ‘Understanding the World’ as a key area, which prompts teachers to expose children to different cultures, beliefs and experiences to promote a broad-minded, respectful outlook.
  • Circle time and peer discussions
    Many early childhood programmes incorporate circle time as a daily activity where children come together to share thoughts, stories or experiences. Teachers can use this time to introduce topics like fairness, kindness and respect for differences in a structured yet informal way. By facilitating peer discussions on these themes, children learn to express their thoughts, listen to others and develop social-emotional skills that support inclusive attitudes.

Higher Education and Critical Thinking

Higher education institutions play a vital role in challenging existing biases and promoting a critical examination of societal norms. At this stage of education, students are encouraged to question established ideas, analyse complex social issues and engage with diverse perspectives. Through critical thinking and open debate, higher education provides a unique environment for students to confront and deconstruct biases related to race, gender, class, sexuality and other identity markers.
Universities often serve as spaces for intellectual and social development, where students can explore new ideas. Courses that focus on philosophy, sociology, political science and gender studies, among others, provide platforms for students to critically examine historical and contemporary inequalities, systemic biases and cultural assumptions. By analysing power structures, discrimination and privilege, higher education encourages a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that perpetuate inequality and provides students with the tools to question them.
Additionally, higher education emphasises the importance of evidence-based reasoning and encourages students to support their viewpoints with critical analysis and research. This not only deepens their understanding of complex social issues but also encourages them to challenge their own biases and those of others. In doing so, higher education helps cultivate individuals who are more informed, empathetic and willing to advocate for equality and justice in society.
Many higher education institutions offer specialised courses, workshops and campus initiatives aimed at promoting an understanding of equality and diversity. These programmes provide students with the knowledge and skills to engage with these topics thoughtfully and critically, while also creating a more inclusive and respectful campus culture. Some examples include:

  • Courses on equality and diversity
    A range of academic disciplines now integrate equality and diversity into their curricula. Courses such as Gender Studies, Ethnic and Racial Studies, Disability Studies and LGBTQIA+ Studies examine how societal structures influence different groups and how power dynamics shape people’s lived experiences. These courses encourage students to critically analyse historical and contemporary forms of discrimination and consider strategies for promoting social justice.Additionally, Interdisciplinary Courses, such as those blending sociology, political science and ethics, often explore issues like human rights, global inequality and social movements. These courses encourage students to examine how societal norms and biases affect marginalised communities and challenge them to envision solutions for creating more equal systems.
  • Workshops on diversity and bias awareness
    Workshops focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are common at many universities and aim to create awareness around unconscious bias, microaggressions and privilege. These workshops often involve experiential learning activities that help students and staff recognise their own biases and understand how these can influence interactions and decision-making. Programmes like unconscious bias training or anti-racism workshops allow participants to reflect on their assumptions, listen to diverse voices and practise inclusive behaviours.Additionally, Allyship Programmes are often conducted to educate students and staff on how to support marginalised groups and provide practical skills to act as allies in combating discrimination and promoting inclusion within the university community.
  • Campus initiatives and student-led movements
    Many universities support initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusivity on campus. These may include cultural clubs, support groups for marginalised communities and student-led campaigns that address social justice issues. For example, events and programmes linked to LGBTQIA+ Pride, Disability Pride Month, Black History Month or Women’s Leadership Programmes provide platforms for students to engage with issues of identity, discrimination and equality in meaningful ways.Some universities also have dedicated diversity offices or equity and inclusion centres that organise events, seminars and resources focused on promoting an inclusive campus culture. These centres often collaborate with student groups to advocate for policy changes, such as implementing gender-neutral bathrooms or creating safe spaces for minority students.
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Diversity in faculty and student bodies significantly improves the educational experience by bringing a wide range of perspectives, experiences and ideas into the learning environment. A diverse campus helps create a richer and more dynamic intellectual culture, where students are exposed to different viewpoints and challenged to think beyond their own cultural or social norms.

Faculty members from diverse backgrounds can provide students with unique insights into how their lived experiences shape their research, teaching and approach to societal issues. A diverse faculty enriches classroom discussions, as teachers, lecturers and professors who bring perspectives from different racial, gender or cultural identities can introduce students to ideas and challenges they may not have previously encountered. Furthermore, diverse faculty members serve as important role models for students from underrepresented groups and offer inspiration, mentorship and guidance that can help them navigate their academic and professional journeys.

A diverse student population also plays a critical role in enriching the educational experience. When students interact with peers from different backgrounds, they are more likely to develop cross-cultural understanding, challenge their assumptions and expand their worldviews. Group discussions, projects and collaborations benefit from the variety of perspectives that a diverse student body brings and encourage more creative and innovative solutions to problems.

In addition, students from underrepresented communities contribute to raising awareness about issues affecting marginalised groups, prompting their peers to engage with topics like racial justice, gender equality and immigrant rights. These interactions help students develop cultural competence, empathy and the ability to navigate diverse social environments, skills that are essential in today’s globalised world.

Teacher Training and Professional Development

Preparing educators to effectively address equality and diversity in the classroom is essential for creating inclusive learning environments. Teachers play a critical role in shaping students’ attitudes towards these issues, and without the proper training, they may struggle to navigate sensitive topics or recognise and address biases within their teaching practices. By equipping teachers with the knowledge, skills and confidence to engage with these concepts, schools can ensure that all students feel valued, respected and supported in their learning journey.

Teacher training on equality and diversity enables educators to:

  • Recognise and challenge biases in themselves, their students and the wider school environment.
  • Promote inclusive practices that cater to diverse learning needs, including those of students from different cultural, racial, socio-economic and linguistic backgrounds.
  • Handle sensitive discussions around issues like race, gender, disability and discrimination with care, which helps to create a safe space for students to express their perspectives.
  • Encourage critical thinking among students about societal inequalities and help them develop empathy, respect for others and an understanding of fairness.

In the absence of such training, educators may inadvertently perpetuate stereotypes, fail to address harmful behaviours or overlook the diverse needs of their students, which can contribute to inequalities in education.

There are various training programmes, resources and support systems available to help teachers address equality and diversity topics. These initiatives, which include both pre-service and in-service training, equip educators with the tools they need to integrate inclusive practices into their teaching.

  • Initial Teacher Training (ITT)
    In the UK, initial teacher training programmes often include modules focused on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Trainee teachers learn about legal frameworks such as the Equality Act 2010, which outlines protections against discrimination in education, as well as strategies for supporting diverse learners. ITT programmes encourage future educators to reflect on their own biases and consider how they can create more equitable learning environments.
  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
    CPD training allows teachers to continue developing their knowledge and skills around equality and diversity throughout their careers. These training sessions often cover topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competency and strategies for promoting inclusive classroom practices.
  • Unconscious bias training
    Many schools and educational institutions offer unconscious bias training to help teachers recognise and address their own implicit biases. These workshops focus on the ways in which unconscious attitudes can influence decision-making in the classroom. By becoming aware of these biases, teachers can work to mitigate their impact and ensure more equal treatment of all students.
  • Inclusive curriculum development workshops
    These workshops provide educators with practical tools to create lesson plans and curricula that reflect the diversity of their student population. This might involve incorporating diverse authors in English literature, including non-Western histories in history lessons or ensuring that science examples and case studies represent a range of cultural and gender perspectives.
  • Support networks and resources
    Educators can access various support networks and resources designed to assist them in promoting equality and diversity. Organisations such as Teach First and The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) offer guides, research and best practices for supporting disadvantaged students and reducing educational inequality.

Additionally, many schools have designated equality and diversity leads or inclusion coordinators who provide ongoing support to teachers and ensure that the school’s policies and practices align with principles of fairness and inclusion.

Case Studies and Examples of Successful Teacher-Led Initiatives:

There are many examples across the UK of teacher-led initiatives that have helped them to more effectively teach topics relating to equality and diversity, including:

  • The Black Curriculum
    The Black Curriculum is a UK-based initiative led by teachers and educational advocates who work to address the lack of Black British history in schools. Through training sessions, workshops and resources, the organisation helps teachers incorporate Black British history into their lessons to promote a more inclusive understanding of the UK’s past and challenging Eurocentric narratives. This initiative not only equips teachers with the tools to teach diverse histories but also empowers students to see themselves reflected in the curriculum.
  • No Outsiders Project
    The No Outsiders Project is a programme developed by primary school assistant head teacher Andrew Moffat to teach young children about diversity and inclusion through literature. It teaches children about protected characteristics (as defined by the Equality Act) using storybooks that feature characters from different racial, cultural and family backgrounds and different genders and sexualities to promote discussions around equality, respect and acceptance. This teacher-led initiative has been adopted by numerous schools across the UK and helped to create school environments where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is prioritised.
  • School Diversity Week
    Organised by the charity Just Like Us, School Diversity Week is an annual event that encourages schools across the UK to celebrate LGBTQIA+ equality. Teachers play a leading role in organising activities such as inclusive assemblies, discussions and creative projects that raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues and promote a culture of respect and understanding. This initiative is supported by resources provided by the charity, including lesson plans and guides on how to talk about LGBTQIA+ topics in an age-appropriate manner.
  • EmpathyLab
    EmpathyLab is an educational initiative designed to help children develop empathy and understanding through stories and social action. Teachers receive training and resources to run Empathy Days and integrate empathy-building activities into their lessons. The programme, which combines reading diverse literature with discussions about feelings, relationships and fairness, helps students cultivate a deeper understanding of others, breaking down barriers between different groups. Many teachers have successfully used EmpathyLab’s framework to promote inclusivity and emotional intelligence in their classrooms.

Challenges and Barriers

There are many challenges and barriers schools and educators face when attempting to integrate equality and diversity education into the classroom. This can include:

  • Cultural resistance
    One of the most significant barriers to integrating equality and diversity education is cultural resistance from both within the school community and the wider society. Many parents, students or even staff members may have deeply held beliefs that conflict with the principles of equality and diversity, particularly when it comes to issues of race, gender, LGBTQIA+ rights and religious inclusivity. In some cases, introducing topics related to gender identity or racial inequality may be met with opposition due to cultural or religious conservatism, leading to pushback against teachers or school leadership.
  • Lack of resources
    Schools often face a shortage of resources, both financial and material, that hampers their ability to provide comprehensive education on equality and diversity. This lack of resources can manifest in several ways, including insufficient training for teachers, limited access to inclusive teaching materials and inadequate funding for initiatives or programmes designed to promote diversity. Without the necessary support, schools may struggle to implement effective strategies to promote inclusive environments.
  • Systemic biases
    Systemic biases embedded within the educational system can perpetuate inequality and hinder the teaching of diversity. This includes curriculum content that is predominantly Eurocentric or male-centred, underrepresentation of marginalised groups in textbooks and educational policies that may inadvertently disadvantage minority students. Teachers themselves may unknowingly contribute to these systemic issues through unconscious biases that affect their interactions with students or their choices in teaching materials.
  • Inadequate teacher training
    Many educators feel unprepared or ill-equipped to address issues of equality and diversity in the classroom. A lack of specialised training can lead to discomfort in discussing sensitive topics, fear of making mistakes or the reinforcement of stereotypes. Without ongoing professional development, teachers may not have the tools to create an inclusive learning environment or to challenge prejudiced behaviour effectively.
  • Time constraints
    The demanding school curriculum can also act as a barrier. Teachers are often under pressure to cover a wide range of subjects and meet academic standards, leaving little time to address topics related to equality and diversity comprehensively. Additionally, equality and diversity education may be viewed as supplementary rather than integral to the curriculum, which can result in it being sidelined or only addressed during special events.

There are some important strategies that schools and the UK government can implement to overcome these barriers, including:

  • Policy changes
    Policy reform is one of the most effective ways to overcome barriers to equality and diversity in education. The government and educational authorities can implement policies that mandate the inclusion of equality and diversity topics within the national curriculum. For example, incorporating lessons on racial equality, gender studies and LGBTQIA+ rights into core subjects such as history, literature and social studies can ensure these issues are addressed regularly, not just during special events or awareness weeks.Additionally, schools can be required to adopt anti-discrimination policies that promote inclusivity and protect students from harassment based on their identity. This could include introducing measures like gender-neutral bathrooms, safe spaces for marginalised students and clear protocols for addressing incidents of bias or discrimination.
  • Teacher training and professional development
    One of the most critical steps in addressing the challenges of equality and diversity education is investing in teacher training and ongoing professional development. Teachers need specialised training to feel confident in discussing sensitive topics and managing classroom dynamics around diversity. Schools can offer workshops on unconscious bias, cultural competence and inclusive teaching practices to help educators reflect on their biases and develop strategies to create more equal learning environments.
  • Community engagement
    Building partnerships with parents and the local community is crucial for overcoming resistance and creating a culture of inclusivity. Schools can engage parents through workshops, information sessions and open dialogues to help them understand the importance of teaching equality and diversity. By involving parents in the process, schools can reduce cultural pushback and encourage broader acceptance of diversity initiatives.Additionally, involving community leaders, activists or organisations in school programmes can provide students with role models from diverse backgrounds and show that the principles of equality and diversity extend beyond the school environment. This might include inviting guest speakers, collaborating with local diversity groups or organising school trips to cultural or historical sites that promote a broader understanding of social justice issues.
  • Advocacy and awareness campaigns
    Schools can also implement advocacy campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion. By celebrating events like Black History Month, Pride or International Women’s Day, schools can help normalise discussions around equality and diversity. These campaigns can engage students in meaningful activities, such as poster-making, discussions and assemblies, that highlight the value of diversity.
  • Student-led initiatives
    Encouraging students to take an active role in promoting equality and diversity can have a powerful impact on the school environment. Schools can support student councils, diversity clubs or social justice groups that allow students to lead conversations around inclusivity and advocate for changes within their school. These student-led initiatives often promote awareness campaigns, organise events and work with school leadership to address issues of inequality or discrimination.
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Conclusion

Education plays a vital role in shaping perceptions of equality and diversity. From early childhood education up to higher education, the ways in which the school curriculum, teaching methods and school culture influence students’ understanding of these important concepts cannot be overstated. By introducing equality and diversity topics at an early age and promoting critical thinking in higher education, we can challenge biases and promote a more inclusive mindset among students.

Additionally, the challenges and barriers, such as cultural resistance, lack of resources, systemic biases and inadequate teacher training, must be acknowledged and addressed to effectively integrate equality and diversity education into our schools. Strategies such as policy reforms, community engagement and advocacy are vital for overcoming these obstacles and ensuring that all students have access to an education that reflects their diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Ultimately, education can help to challenge stereotypes, increase empathy and create a society that not only acknowledges but celebrates diversity. It is essential for all stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, parents and students, to collaborate in creating environments that uphold the principles of equality and diversity. 

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About the author

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Nicole Murphy

Nicole graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Psychology in 2013. She works as a writer and editor and tries to combine all her passions - writing, education, and psychology. Outside of work, Nicole loves to travel, go to the beach, and drink a lot of coffee! She is currently training to climb Machu Picchu in Peru.