Bulletin

Issue: January/February 2008

News

New program trains Muslim leaders

A leadership training program for young Muslims — the first of its kind in Australia — has produced its inaugural graduates.

The program is conducted by La Trobe University's Centre for Dialogue on the main Melbourne campus at Bundoora in association with the Islamic Council of Victoria and the strong support of the Victorian State Government.

Its aim is to equip young Muslim leaders with the confidence, skills and leadership qualities to help deal with the social and cultural challenges facing people of Islamic faith in Australia.

The first twenty graduates, aged between 18 and 30, recently received their awards from the Victorian Premier Mr John Brumby and La Trobe's Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Johnson at a ceremony at Parliament House attended by Islamic, civic and community leaders.

The program is running again this year. It involves three months of intensive workshops, lectures, training, field trips and study tours to familiarise participants with Australian social, economic, political and cultural life, including Australia's role in the Asia-Pacific region and the rest of the world.

Students attend briefings by academics, politicians, diplomats business, religious, indigenous and other community leaders as well as journalists. They also take part in lectures, tutorials, and workshops. The program has been designed by leading international relations scholar, Professor Joseph Camilleri, who is Director of the Centre for Dialogue.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Johnson said the program highlights the University's active role in the community, particularly through its Centre for Dialogue, in what he hopes will be enduring partnerships with the Islamic Council of Victoria and the State Government.

'Of the many challenges we face as a nation, none is more important than making this society one which values and nurtures its rich cultural and religious diversity.

'Australia's Muslim communities, representing one of the world's great religious traditions, have much to contribute,' he said.

'Much has been said in recent years about a looming "clash of civilizations" between Islam and the West. During a period marked by international and sometimes local tensions, Australian Muslims have been subjected to powerful pressures and often less than flattering media attention.

'We need young Muslim leaders who can speak clearly and confidently about the issues confronting people of Islamic faith in Australia today — and play a full and constructive role in shaping Australia's future.

'This program aims to equip people with the skills they will need to do that,' said Professor Johnson.