Year 7 Interfaith

Jayda Sacks

Lilly Goldberg

Our perception of multi-ethnicity was greatly enhanced when a group of Year 7 students participated in the Interfaith program through the organisation Together for Humanity. We were given the opportunity to learn about different cultures and socialise with Muslim and Christian students.

After travelling for over an hour, we reached Granville Boys High School and were introduced to the Christian boys, and the Muslim girls who had arrived from Auburn Girls High School.

We began by playing a few ice-breaker games where all students were encouraged to work together. There was also an activity that required us to guess what religion the instructors were and whether they were Australian, judging by their accent, name and the way they dress. The majority of the students guessed incorrectly. This taught us to not judge or stereotype others by the way they appear. Next we took part in another activity where the instructors asked a carefully constructed question and we had to step forward if it applied to us. It taught us that we have many things in common with the students from other religions. On occasion, we are all subjected to criticism and should respect each other more.

At lunchtime we were encouraged to sit and eat with students from other schools. This was an excellent chance to get to know one another and discuss common interests.

During the day all the students made friends and learnt a lot about other religions and cultures. We also learnt that even though we follow different customs and religious laws, we are all Australian and should respect others. We should also embrace, be proud of and freely express our own culture, traditions and who we are.

Jayda Sacks and Lilly Goldberg