Guided by TFH representatives, students in Hobart, Collinsvale, and Launceston took part in interactive programs, including curriculum-linked presentations exploring belonging, culture, prejudice and racism in Australia.
TFH CEO Annette Schneider said the aim of the visit was to spend time with students to help them build confidence, develop empathy and learn how to navigate differences.
“Together For Humanity is a national organisation that works with schools across the country to advance belonging and combat racism,” Schneider said.
“Our first trip to Tasmania was a fantastic success.
“We met directly with teachers and students from a number of schools, and we’re encouraging more Tasmanian schools to get in touch to discuss the Together For Humanity programs and resources available to them.”
The delegation hosted professional learning sessions for English and Additional Language/Dialects teachers from the Department for Education, Children and Young People, Catholic Education Tasmania, and Independent Schools Tasmania, with particular focus on working with new community arrivals.
The sessions covered topics including engaging diverse families, creating belonging in school communities and the role of intercultural understanding in building inclusive school communities.
Dr Bo Hu, pictured above right, works with Sacre Coeur and Mentone GG students at the recent TFH Victorian Youth Summit. TFH has reached more than half a million young Australians through its programs, events, grants and initiatives.
Working on the national stage, TFH said its mission is to contribute to a future Australia where racism and prejudice have been eliminated, and all young people feel they belong.
“Young people are Australia’s future changemakers, and it is vital we work with them, and with others in their communities, to equip them with the knowledge and skills to overcome prejudice and inequality,” Schneider said.
“Now more than ever, we must be proactive in establishing direct lines of communication with students from Darwin all the way down to Hobart and educating young people about the role they can play in creating a future for Australia that values cultural and religious diversity and is free from racism.”
For more than 20 years, the organisation has focused on educational activities that advance belonging and inclusion, enabling educators and young people to challenge stereotypes and celebrate diversity.
Collaborating directly with school communities across the country, TFH has reached more than half a million young Australians through its programs, events, grants and initiatives.
While the organisation offers curriculum-linked student programs, teacher professional learning and online learning courses, it also provides partnership grants and support for school communities to address cross-cultural challenges, and coordinates interschool encounters such as Youth Summits and Youth Ambassador programs.
TFH said increased societal unrest here and overseas, including escalating racial and religious tensions and incidents means its work in schools is more important than ever.
“Our visit to Tasmania to meet directly with students, teachers and administrators shows our commitment to helping young people around the country navigate the complex landscape of intercultural and interfaith dialogue,” Schneider said.
Together For Humanity is putting the call out to schools in Queensland and the Northern Territory to register for its upcoming Youth Summit, to be held in Brisbane on Thursday, August 28. Interested schools are encouraged to register their interest here.
