An Australian government education strategy to strengthen ties between our nation and Indonesia is helping teenagers become more accepting of other cultures.
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Wollongong’s St Mary’s Star of the Sea College signed up to the Asia-Australia BRIDGE Project and are currently hosting their inaugural visitors from a Muslim boarding school in South Sulawesi.
The Asia Education Foundation connects schools from both countries to forge a lasting relationship. The aim is to encourage networking, opportunities for exchange, improve intercultural knowledge and skills, and teach about different contemporary societies.
St Mary’s teacher Jodi Harris said becoming involved in this program allowed teachers and students to learn more about other cultures, especially as the school has recently introduced the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme for year 7 students.
“It’s giving them a real insight instead of just reading textbooks,” Ms Harris said.
Annisa Aulra has been teaching in Indonesia for four years and had always dreamt of coming to Australia to enrich her skills.
“Australia has a very good education [system]. I have read Australia is one of three of the best education systems in the world,” Ms Aulra said.
Ms Aulra and colleague Sufiati from Mts Abnal Amir, Gowa, assisted St Mary’s teachers in a variety of subjects at the college including religious studies.
“Big thanks to Mr. Frank as the principal of St Mary’s. He's allowed us to do observation and teaching collaboration between two schools in two countries,” Ms Aulra said.
Ms Sufiati said as the students were currently learning about Islam and they were happy to answer any questions the teenagers asked.
“It was really eye opening for them.” she said.