Positive Australian cultural excursions are fundamental to BSSC’s EAL program and include visits to galleries, local businesses and even the Buddhist Stupa.
Just recently, three members of Bendigo Braves basketball teams ran a series of clinics teaching basketball skills. Earlier this year everyone enjoyed ten-pin bowling.
A more reflective visit is to the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance.
Students who are unfamiliar with the city become more comfortable getting around Melbourne and gain practical skills using public transport. But the Shrine itself has a huge impact on students whose families have been directly impacted by war.
“Our guide explains that the flame at the tomb of the unknown soldier is a memorial to all soldiers who die fighting for good,” explains EAL Coordinator, Jenni Carlyle Shelton.
“Students spend a long time just standing around the flame—and over the next few weeks I realise from their social media posts that many have taken their families there.”
People born in Australia grow up alongside hero stories told by our war memorials. But many families of EAL students know far too well the other side of war—the trauma inflicted on innocent families caught up in conflicts.
… say ‘hello’ today.
