Cultural program reaches out to school children: Minister

Multicultural Affairs Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr today announced $50,000 in funding to support an education first for Queensland which encourages school children to reject prejudice and accept diversity in society.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the grant would enable the Together for Humanity Foundation to offer its specially-developed education program to some 20 Queensland schools in 2008.

“The Together for Humanity project helps children understand the common values shared by people from different belief systems and teach them to value diversity in our community from a young age,” she said.

“Through the program, facilitators from the Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths will use fun activities and discussions to demonstrate that we all have a common humanity.

“It’s an exciting program that aims to replace prejudice, ignorance and suspicion with understanding, empathy and respect.

“I’m delighted the foundation is also bringing in facilitators from Indigenous and other faith backgrounds to be a part of this program.

“As the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, I’m pleased to support this initiative which actively engages students in cultural education and builds awareness and understanding of how valuable multiculturalism is to the future of Queensland.”

The Together for Humanity Foundation is an interfaith partnership and not for profit organisation set up to enable people of all faiths to work together to reduce prejudice and cultivate a more harmonious society.

Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office - 3235 4280