Credit: Edwyn Shiell, act for peace

Simply Sharing Week is an ecumenical initiative of several Christian relief and development agencies in Australia. Each year, Simply Sharing Week encourages Australians to learn about and become involved in, issues of social justice. This year Simply Sharing Week will focus on refugees and will be held from 6–12 June; however you can participate at the time of year that best suits your schedule.

The theme for 2010 is: “See the real me, not just the refugee”

Refugees and asylum seekers are often portrayed in a negative light in Australia — sometimes by politicians and the media. Such stereotypes can lead Australians to look at refugees and asylum seekers in a critical way.

These Simply Sharing Week resources and activities are designed primarily as educational resources to increase student understanding of this issue, which is likely to feature predominantly in this year’s federal elections. The resources provide tools to help tackle the stereotyping of refugees and asylum seekers. They are designed to give us an insight into the journey that many refugees are forced to take, and to remind us that refugees and asylum seekers are unique individuals — with their own experiences, strengths and identities. That’s why we are calling on people to see the whole person instead of simply seeing people as “the refugee”.

The resources encourage students to be informed, to be involved and to do something to make a difference. This year we are asking students to raise local community awareness. This may be as simple as a poster or could involve multimedia, a debate or assembly item.

We also encourage schools and students to learn more about people in their own communities who have come to Australia, seeking protection as refugees. With this goal in mind, we are asking students to run their awareness raising campaigns within their local communities and sow the seeds of change.

Resource materials
Resources have been designed to help students, parish and community groups to understand our relationship with the global community, with the spirit of sharing in mind. You’ll find stories and activities for participants to engage with the issues around refugees.

View the resources now.

For more information please email ssw@caritas.org.au.