Schools have a significant role in building community harmony. Through sharing information and ideas between different communities, cultural exchanges encourage the development of school cultures which value diversity and assist in maintaining healthy community relations.
Cultural exchange programs aim to develop in students a greater understanding of Australia's diversity and aim to bring together students from different cultural, religious, geographic and socio-economic backgrounds. They allow students to interact with and learn from students who are different to themselves and to participate in new and unique experiences beyond their own communities.
Cultural exchange programs help to break down barriers, challenge myths and stereotypes and promote community harmony. They assist students to develop positive relationships with others, understand a range of perspectives and develop the understanding and skills needed for effective participation in our global society.
Programs may focus on any number of curriculum-based or cross-curriculum areas. Examples of program focus areas include:
- Aboriginal education
- Agricultural studies
- Anti-racism and community harmony
- Civics and citizenship
- Conflict resolution
- Environmental education
- Gender education
- Intercultural of interfaith programs
- Multicultural education
- Peace education
- Performing and creative arts programs
- Sporting and personal development programs
- Student leadership programs.
