In Australia, communities are closely knitted as they value mutual respect and nurture a collective sense of belonging. This is why Islamic schools easily blend in with the community and add to the uniqueness of the community that helps students grow holistically in their academic and personal lives. And knowing that appreciating multiculture in a nation is difficult to achieve, how do Islamic schools in Melbourne, where the communities are of small scale and the majority of individuals are children and young individuals?

A safe and inclusive environment. In any school community, the teachers represent and act as second parents to children, and as teachers, they understand the cultural backgrounds of their students. That is why they can quickly attune to their needs and open communication is introduced. And when students feel like their community is a safe space to be in, they feel more welcoming of other cultural backgrounds, thus creating a supportive atmosphere in return.

Family involvement and support. In many ways, schools have become extended families where parents and teachers get to know one another well through regular events for families. Parent participation is a high priority in Islamic schools because active family involvement is one of the cornerstones of the Islamic school community. And this support network also means that the students are in an environment where the values taught at school align closely with what is taught at home—something that is reassuring for the parents.

A focus on shared values. Kindness, respect, and empathy. These values are foundational to building a strong community, and this is why multiculturalism is celebrated and appreciated. The students feel it when their school respects the community dynamics because they will naturally help others, collaborate, and work together, and these qualities transcend outside the classroom walls and eventually build a community of people who care for one another.

Encouraging social responsibility. Implementing community service and charity work should not only be a part of what students do in school but also something they need to embody as they graduate. When students feel like they have a sense of collective responsibility to their communities, they not only nurture the culture that they are in but also their identities and the importance of caring for it.

Building bridges that go beyond the school gates

Culture-based development is something that is currently being implemented in urban cities today, as culture is the ultimate driver of all our urban sectors. Although the positive effect of this development is long-term, it should not only be imposed in larger communities but should also be taken effect in smaller communities like Islamic schools, where there is an existing diversity among students.

Every nation in the world is multicultural, and Australia is no exception. And for us to create a harmonious multicultural community, schools should prioritise culture-based activities that not only produce well-rounded graduates but also individuals who are grounded in their values and know the importance of nurturing their identity and the identity of their culture.