Australia is an increasingly multicultural nation. We are becoming more connected to the world and more people from around the world are coming to Australia. We are experiencing a new wave of immigrants from Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. Moreover, there are now increasing demands on Australia to welcome more refugees from countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan and Sri Lanka.

This has sparked a discussion about the best ways to integrate immigrants within Australian society without forcing them to sacrifice their diversity. Young Australians, particularly those who are recent immigrants, should be involved in this discussion.

Five Victorian school students will be selected as the key participants for the project. They will come from different racial backgrounds (Caucasian Australian, Indigenous Australian, Asian, Middle Eastern and African). There will be a mix of girls and boys, and a mix of city and regional areas. All will be regarded as leaders in their schools and communities.

The participants will embark on a two week study tour to South Africa, during which they will learn about the past, present and future of a country that has overcome terrible racial discrimination but still faces the challenge of creating a truly “rainbow nation”. On returning to Australia, the participants will take part in a group forum during which they will reflect on their experiences on the study tour and the extent to which those experiences help to shed light on present day Australia. The forum will be attended by other Australians both young and old who will share their thoughts on issues of multiculturalism in Australia.

Are you 13 - 18 years and in High/Secondary school? Do you want to be one of the participants or do you know someone benefit from this experience? Write to us and tell us how you would use this opportunity to educate others about our diverse society.