Friday 9 February 2007
School students hear voices on cultural diversity
An educational tool to help combat racism and promote a culture of respect and equality among high school students around Australia has been launched today by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC).
Launching the Voices of Australia Education Module at Sydney's Redlands School (SCECGS) in Cremorne with the Federal Attorney-General, The Hon. Philip Ruddock MP, Race Discrimination Commissioner Tom Calma said the education resource gave teachers an invaluable tool to help students reap the rewards of living in a community where a quarter of the population has at least one parent born in another country.
"Australia is a society of diverse and rich cultures and there is no place within it for racism or discrimination," Commissioner Calma said. "In the current climate, it is more important than ever that shared values are discussed at all levels to minimise potential conflict - and what better way to do this than with young people."
Commissioner Calma said the Voices of Australia Education Module aimed to give students an understanding of the Racial Discrimination Act through the use of practical exercises and case studies.
"The module encourages discussion and dialogue amongst students about race relations issues and their relevance to society, the school community and themselves," Commissioner Calma said.
Redlands Head of School, Neil Tucker, said the Voices of Australia Education Module was an essential resource for all teachers and educators throughout Australia, offering all secondary school students a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of diversity in our country, now and for the future.
"We congratulate HREOC on this initiative which has created an impressive new resource for Australians and for student success," Mr Tucker said.
"At Redlands, with students from 40 different nationalities, the Voices of Australia Education Module will become a valuable teaching resource and support the school's inclusive culture of diversity and respect for individuals."
The module complements HREOC's Voices of Australia publication and audio CD which features a collection of 'real-life' stories about diversity and living together in contemporary Australia, more than 30 years on from the introduction of the Racial Discrimination Act.
The Voices of Australia Education Module will be distributed to every secondary school in the country. Copies can also be obtained on the website at www.humanrights.gov.au/education/voices
Media contact: Louise McDermott (02) 9284 9851 or 0419 258 597
Photo from launch
Commissioner Tom Calma, former SCECGS student Brooke Greenwood
and Attorney General Philip Ruddock
(click on picture for larger image)
Last updated 12 February, 2007
