Santa Sabina College hosted a special forum on Tuesday 5 April “Not in my Name” to respond to the Refugee and Asylum Seeker debate that is happening throughout Australia and the world. It presented an opportunity to listen to those who have faced unbelievable hardships and have experienced life as a refugee.
College Principal, Dr Maree Herrett began the evening by launching The Veritas Centre for Justice, Ethics, and Interfaith Engagement. The Veritas Centre speaks and stands for justice and is a way for the College to raise awareness and advocate for those who are so often disenfranchised in society.
Federal member for Reid and Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Mr Craig Laundy, addressed the audience and spoke of his experience meeting and helping refugees in his electorate. He challenged those present, but particularly the students to be agents for change in the world.
Phil Glendenning, President of the Refugee Council was the evening’s keynote speaker. His background is in education, law, political science, and overseas aid and development. Mr Glendenning shared the human side of the Refugee crisis. The startling images and statistics he presented highlighted the plight of so many people around the world. He challenged the audience to take action be that through communicating with politicians or becoming involved in practical ways with refugee communities.
Shukufa Tahiri, a Hazara from Afghanistan, shared the struggle, fear and hardship of her refugee journey. As is the case with so many refugees, she has found peace in Australia and is making a wonderful contribution to her adopted home. Daniel Tha Nya, a Karen refugee from Myanmar shared his experiences living in a camp on the Thai Burma border for 11 years. He spoke with gratitude and pride in coming to Australia in 2008.
“Santa Sabina College has always had a particular commitment to the promotion of and education for justice, as well as for academic excellence. The idea of The Veritas Centre is to encapsulate the many and varied ways that the College lives out this commitment,” said College Principal Dr Maree Herrett.
The next public forum hosted by the Veritas Centre will be with lawyer and journalist, Monica Attard on Wednesday 25 May, focussed on women in the media.
