Published Wednesday, 05 November, 2008 at 01:47 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Education program teaches acceptance and understanding
Year four students from three Brisbane schools came together at the Islamic College of Brisbane this week to learn about cultural and religious acceptance and understanding.
Communities and Multicultural Affairs Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the workshop was being held as part of the Together For Humanity Project.
“The Together For Humanity has been designed to help children understand the common values shared by people from different belief systems, teaching them the value of diversity in our community,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The program has been running in Queensland schools since June, but this is the first time three schools have come together to take part in the program.
“In total, the program is expected to reach more than 2000 students in 20 Queensland schools, spreading the important message about cultural harmony and mutual respect far and wide.”
The Together For Humanity Foundation received $50,000 from the Bligh Government to run the project. Funding was also matched by the Federal Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Health Minister and Member for Stretton Stephen Robertson attended the workshop to officially launch the Together For Humanity Project.
“More than 90 local children from the Islamic College of Brisbane, Sinai College and Southside Christian College will be involved in the workshop,” Mr Robertson said.
“These children have a wonderful opportunity to learn all about respect and tolerance from inspirational people, making our local communities more inclusive and accepting.
“This program really is helping to challenge stereotypes, develop friendships and promote peace and understanding amongst young people.
“Programs like these are integral to the Bligh Governments Towards Q2 strategy and one of it’s key aims of creating a fairer Queensland.”
Together For Humanity Foundation National Director Rabbi Zalman Kastel said the program was being presented by culturally-diverse facilitators.
“The programs are designed to enable children to see beyond stereotypes,” Rabbi Kastel said.
“They will lay the platform for long-term activity which promotes and educates children about empathy, appreciation and cooperation between people of diverse beliefs and backgrounds.
“Facilitators come from many different backgrounds and are selected for their ability to interact effectively with children in a way that does not promote any one religion – and shows that we can work, live and play together despite our differences.
“Most importantly, the facilitators show that religious differences don’t have to divide people.”
For more information on the Together For Humanity Foundation, visit www.togetherforhumanity.org.au
Together For Humanity workshop presenters include:
• Ms Ronit Baras – Jewish
• Mr Alie Kenneh – Muslim
• Mr Fook Choy (Peter) Chen – Christian.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
Minister Robertson’s office 3234 1191
Communities and Multicultural Affairs Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the workshop was being held as part of the Together For Humanity Project.
“The Together For Humanity has been designed to help children understand the common values shared by people from different belief systems, teaching them the value of diversity in our community,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The program has been running in Queensland schools since June, but this is the first time three schools have come together to take part in the program.
“In total, the program is expected to reach more than 2000 students in 20 Queensland schools, spreading the important message about cultural harmony and mutual respect far and wide.”
The Together For Humanity Foundation received $50,000 from the Bligh Government to run the project. Funding was also matched by the Federal Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Health Minister and Member for Stretton Stephen Robertson attended the workshop to officially launch the Together For Humanity Project.
“More than 90 local children from the Islamic College of Brisbane, Sinai College and Southside Christian College will be involved in the workshop,” Mr Robertson said.
“These children have a wonderful opportunity to learn all about respect and tolerance from inspirational people, making our local communities more inclusive and accepting.
“This program really is helping to challenge stereotypes, develop friendships and promote peace and understanding amongst young people.
“Programs like these are integral to the Bligh Governments Towards Q2 strategy and one of it’s key aims of creating a fairer Queensland.”
Together For Humanity Foundation National Director Rabbi Zalman Kastel said the program was being presented by culturally-diverse facilitators.
“The programs are designed to enable children to see beyond stereotypes,” Rabbi Kastel said.
“They will lay the platform for long-term activity which promotes and educates children about empathy, appreciation and cooperation between people of diverse beliefs and backgrounds.
“Facilitators come from many different backgrounds and are selected for their ability to interact effectively with children in a way that does not promote any one religion – and shows that we can work, live and play together despite our differences.
“Most importantly, the facilitators show that religious differences don’t have to divide people.”
For more information on the Together For Humanity Foundation, visit www.togetherforhumanity.org.au
Together For Humanity workshop presenters include:
• Ms Ronit Baras – Jewish
• Mr Alie Kenneh – Muslim
• Mr Fook Choy (Peter) Chen – Christian.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
Minister Robertson’s office 3234 1191