Students Against Racism bridging cultures and building understanding
Students Against Racism
A group of courageous individuals from diverse backgrounds sought to build understanding during a recent workshop with staff from the Tasmanian Catholic Education Office.
Members of the Students Against Racism group, currently studying at TasTAFE, shared their moving stories of migration, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of starting a new life in Tasmania.
Supported by their dedicated English language teacher, Gini Ennals, these students showcased remarkable resilience. They spoke candidly about the heart-wrenching experience of leaving their homes and families, and the often overwhelming process of integrating into a new community.
Some of these students have been in Tasmania for as little as three months, making their insights even more compelling.
During the session, staff were given a glimpse into the isolating experience of not speaking the local language as students spoke to those at the session in their native language. This powerful demonstration emphasised the barriers migrants face and highlighted the importance of support and understanding.
Subject Matter Expert in EALD for Catholic Education Tasmania, Kylie Engisch, said these sessions are invaluable for our staff, “These experiences inspire us to continually seek out ways to better support people from migrant and refugee backgrounds within our schools and communities.
“The power of interacting with young people who have lived experience touches our hearts, bringing us deep humility," Kylie said.
CET Deputy Executive Director of Schools, Matt Jones, shared the profound impact migrant families had on the St Finn Barr’s Catholic School community during his time as Principal, and how building strong relationships with these families was crucial.
“We worked closely with migrant families to support their children’s education,” Matt reflected, highlighting the collaborative efforts to help these families feel welcome and understood.
Du from Students Against Racism shares his experience of settling in Australia
Kylie agrees that building understanding is important, “When we are aware, this fosters a deeper understanding in our work with the students and families from migrant and refugee backgrounds who are enrolled in Catholic Education Tasmania.”
For those interested in learning more about Students Against Racism and their work in building understanding, please visit the A Fairer World website.
