Jonathan Schach – Year 7

Together for Humanity 

On Thursday in Week 5, Emanuel School hosted the third and final Together for Humanity interfaith session.

Together for Humanity is a program that teaches kids from my generation about the importance of all religions and races working together to find peace and understanding, which remains a massive issue in our modern day society. As the students from Auburn Girls High School and Granville Boys High School walked through the gate of Emanuel School for their first time, the excitement and the enthusiasm of all students being reconnected, after previous sessions visiting their schools, were incredible. It was amazing seeing all these students from various religions come together and be able to have conversations and feel so comfortable about it too.

This day along with the rest really displays how similar everyone is and how there is no need for violence or discrimination. To further elaborate on this point, we played a game where someone would read out a sentence and if you agreed or disagreed with it you would run to either side of the room. It was actually an unbelievable sight seeing everyone run to the same place, as we all shared a common opinion or belief. This led on to discussing the differences between our religions and we came to the conclusion that we may have different rituals, but we all share the same values.

We were also asked what it means to be an Australian and how Australians act, and yes the stereotypical Australian loves to put a steak on the barbie, however, we learned that being an Australian is up to you and no one has the right to tell you how you should or shouldn’t be. There is no set conclusion nor definition of a ‘true’ Australian.

On behalf of all student participants, we found this program very beneficial. We all learnt something new and similar about someone from a different religion and we all made new friends. I would also like to say a massive thank you to Ms Rosin for her great contribution of both time and persistence to make this event possible for us. I recommend all students, who haven’t had the opportunity yet, to participate in this program when it comes up next year as it is a vital factor in working towards world peace.

Jonathan Schach, Year 7