At various times in Australia's history, new challenges have emerged.  One of today's most pressing is the tension that has arisen between people of different faith backgrounds.

Our response

We are concerned that a focus on what's wrong as opposed to a more balanced view, along with negative stereotyping of religious and ethnic groups is fuelling prejudice and hostility in Australia. The Foundation is committed to reducing prejudice, intolerance and lack of care and respect for others, and is actively promoting interfaith harmony through education programmes in schools. The programmes are designed to enable children to see beyond stereotypes.

The workshops are presented by interfaith teams comprising a Jewish, a Muslim and a Christian (and, where appropriate, an Indigenous) facilitator: Facilitators are selected for their ability to reflect with dignity their respective communities and interact effectively with children in a way that does not promote any religion but shows how we can cooperate despite our real differences.

The programmes:

• highlight the core values that unite all Australians;

• encourage children to respect the differences between people of different faiths and backgrounds;

• help children to realize that their individual actions of kindness, caring and respect can make a positive difference to their local communities and the wider Australian community.

Community acceptance

The programmes have been enthusiastically accepted by schools, commended by the media and recognized by governments.  The Foundation has presented at conferences relating to education, community relations and combating prejudice.

How can you support our work?

The effectiveness of the Foundation's work in schools will be enhanced by the positive day-to-day behaviour of role models in local communities.  You will be complementing our work if you:

• Focus on what unites Australians as a community, rather than the things that divide;
• Seek to find the common ground that you share with people of opposing views, and collaborate with them;
• Acknowledge that many of us know very little about other groups, and try to learn more;
• Challenge, in a respectful manner, negative statements about people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds;
• Distinguish between the poor behaviour of a few members of a group and the behaviour of the whole group;
• Exercise your democratic right of Free Speech wisely and be mindful of the harm that may result from espousing intolerant views;
• Use controlled, carefully chosen language when you are disappointed by the actions of others.

The Foundation believes that its work in schools, backed by parental support in the home and the example of role models in the wider community, has the potential to reduce prejudice in Australia and cultivate a more harmonious society.