The Federal Government has committed $2.2 million to interfaith group Together for Humanity to foster intercultural understanding in a variety of schools across Australia.
Banks MP and Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, David Coleman and Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher made the announcement during a visit to 3Bridges Penshurst Community Centre.
Together For Humanity is a multi-faith organisation delivering programs to teachers and school students that focus on fostering understanding amongst young people.
The funding will allow the organisation to extend their work creating greater acceptance between Australians of different faiths and cultures.
"Established in 2002, Together for Humanity has worked with more than 100,000 Australian students and teachers in primary and secondary schools across the nation, and I commend their work promoting interfaith and intercultural understanding," Mr Coleman said.
"The work of Together for Humanity is vital to bringing Australians together. Their programs foster integration of students at risk of alienation, and ensures social divisions are minimised in schools."
Rabbi Zalman Kastel, National Director of Together for Humanity welcomed the funding and said its benefits would be invaluable.
"We are focused on ensuring that the dignity of all people is respected, and on fostering students' feelings of connectedness and belonging together with their fellow Australians," Rabbi Kastel said.
"Our diverse teams, working co-operatively together as role models, can now deliver more programs to students, and support more teachers to achieve these aims. This funding will greatly extend our resources for the Australian community," he said.
