Understanding other cultures

Trying to develop an understanding that there’s nothing to be afraid of and that we can all get along together and work together peacefully is really important for this generation. —CASSANDRA WILLIS

During the visit the students went to Bangerang Cultural Centre in Shepparton and the Turkish Mosque in Mooroopna. Year 9 student Jenny Smith, 13, said it was a great experience and she learned a lot about other cultures, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander culture.

“I wanted to come on this tour because I wanted to increase my knowledge of cultures in Shepparton,” she said. “I’ve found it really good.” Numurkah Secondary College Year 9 program co-ordinator Cassandra Willis said the tour was organised with support from the Shepparton Ethnic Council and Shepparton police.

Ms Willis said part of the Year 9 program included a component on local and global issues and visiting different cultural and religious sites helped students further their knowledge.

“It gives them some ideas that will hopefully inspire them to undertake a project and look at the issues facing people of different cultures here,” she said.

Ms Willis said it was important for young people to gain insight into other cultures because Australia had such a mix of different people. “Trying to develop an understanding that there’s nothing to be afraid of and that we can all get along together and work together peacefully is really important for this generation, she said.