As part of the Interfaith program, our Year 9 Interfaith Ambassadors embarked on an enlightening excursion to Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara Sahib and the Islamic Museum of Australia (IMA). The day offered a unique opportunity for students to engage in cultural exchange, broaden their understanding, and appreciate the rich diversity of beliefs and traditions.
At the Gurudwara Sahib, our students received a guided tour, learning about the values and practices of Sikhism. They explored the kitchen, community halls, and visitor accommodations, gaining insight into the generous community services offered, such as shared meals and transport for the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The visit concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where students asked thoughtful questions about Sikh culture and traditions.
The next stop was the Islamic Museum of Australia, where students explored galleries showcasing Islamic history, art, and culture. The visit highlighted connections to their religious studies and offered a deeper understanding of our Islamic traditions. A key feature was a presentation by Ms Sherene Hassan, followed by a dynamic discussion on Islam's role in society. This open dialogue encouraged students to share perspectives, ask meaningful questions, and appreciate the diversity of modern Islamic practices.
The excursion was an inspiring success, fostering a deeper understanding of different faiths, celebrating cultural diversity, and reinforcing the importance of dialogue in building bridges between communities.
Student reflections:
“Our recent visit to the Islamic Museum of Australia was an engaging educational experience. The museum's diverse exhibits, interactive displays, and rich cultural paintings provided an engaging insight into the history and contributions of the Islamic community to the world†- Ameer Alboarab, Year 9B2
“I had an incredible opportunity to visit Sri Guru Sabha, this visit allowed me to learn about Sikhism in depth, at Melbourne’s largest Sikh temple. We were given a thorough tour of the Gurudwara, and engaged in a Q&A session. I discovered multiple things like Sikh practices and their rulings. I enjoyed meeting the Sikh community and expanding my knowledge about their faith.†- Ghaisah Khan, Year 9G3