"At City Cite we have been developing programs that look at issues of justice, social equity, and ethnic and religious diversity in Australian society. Students in groups are required to tackle a rich task such as how different immigrants are treated.
Benevolence presentations are often incorporated into our programs – either at City Cite or the Albanian Mosque in Carlton. The presentations give students an insight into the Islamic Faith and what it means to be a practising Muslim in Australia. Students are encouraged to talk about stereotypes of Muslims from oppressed women to bearded bomb carrying terrorists.
The Benevolence presenters gently discuss these stereotypes and show that there is a much richer and complex story to tell. The people who practise Islam want the same as other Australians, a safe environment in which their families can live and flourish. Most of our students have had little contact with Muslims and the impact that the presenters from Benevolence has is positive and a highlight for many."
--City Cite, Melbourne CBD
