Cultural Resources – Cultural Education, Cultural Awareness, Cultural Resources, and Cultural Consulting

The World is Our Playground

Cultural education plays a vital role in creating a receptive and inclusive society that embraces individuality. Understanding culture enhances human interaction fundamentally in our households, schools, communities, organizations, travels, and even in our workplaces. It establishes a sense of belonging and pride and develops effective communication that cultivates peace, unity, and harmony.

“The World Is Our Playground” series is not just a collection of stories; it’s a powerful tool designed to build awareness of cultural diversity, fostering acceptance and appreciation from an early age. With themes focused on preventing racism and bullying, the series advocates for cultural education as a key component in creating a receptive and inclusive society.

The captivating adventures of Nanak and Tara, siblings from Australia, each book in the series whisks children away to a different country/place, inviting them to embark on fun-filled and informative escapades. From Vietnam to France, the Philippines, Greece, and now the stunning Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) Queensland, Australia, the series aims to introduce primary school-age children to the diverse characteristics, cultures, beliefs, food, locations, and languages of people around the globe.

Author Jamel Kaur Singh emphasizes the importance of understanding culture in various aspects of life, including households, schools, communities, organizations, travels, and workplaces. Through the adventures of Nanak and Tara, the series establishes a sense of belonging and pride while promoting effective communication that cultivates peace, unity, and harmony.

Accompanying the release of Book 5, Singh provides valuable Parent/Teacher Resource Notes on Cultural Awareness. Recognizing the significance of cultural education in today’s diverse global community, the notes aim to empower students with knowledge, understanding, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Brendan O’Connor, emphasizes the values of inclusiveness, respect, and belonging as fundamental to Australia’s multicultural framework. This book series promotes the unity within our diversity.

OBJECTIVE

To promote social cohesion through the creation of children’s books and teacher resources that spark curiosity and dialogue about culture and the beauty within diversity. “The World Is Our Playground” series serves as a catalyst for unity, breaking down racial and cultural barriers that can plague society.

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AUTHOR

Jamel Kaur Singh, a vibrant member of Australia’s multicultural landscape, has been an integral part of the community since her arrival from England in 1981. Together with her parents, Jessiee Kaur Singh and Dya Singh, they founded the Multifaith Association in South Australia in 1988, establishing a legacy of promoting cultural understanding and unity.

Immersed in the rich tapestry of Australian society, Jamel’s educational journey reflects her commitment to embracing diverse cultures, religions, faiths, and traditions. Her academic pursuits include a BA in Aboriginal Administration Management and Community Engagement from Uni SA, fostering strong connections with First Nations communities across Australia and the globe.

Jamel’s dedication to fostering unity within diversity is evident in the culmination of her academic achievements, with her MBA thesis centred on promoting cultural awareness and understanding. Recognized as a national and international ambassador for cultural education, she envisions transforming societal and corporate cultures, eradicating racial violence, and fostering global peace and harmony.

At the core of her advocacy, Jamel introduces “The World Is Our Playground” series, a ground-breaking initiative aimed at nurturing cultural education from an early age. Through this series, she strives to instil in students the recognition of similarities and differences as ‘normal’ facets of human identity, creating pride in their own cultures. By offering inclusive literature, Jamel ensures that every child sees themselves represented within the pages, contributing to a more harmonious and interconnected world.

Uncle Gene Blow co-authored book 5, an acknowledgment and introduction to First Nations culture and the impact it has on the land in which we live. Uncle Gene Blow is a proud Noonuccal and Gorreng Gorreng elder in Brisbane, draws his cultural heritage from his grandparents on North Stradbroke Island and the Bundaberg region. Raised on a tobacco farm in NSW, his upbringing was steeped in family and tradition. Home-schooled initially, he later embraced formal education in Cribb Island, spending nine transformative years immersed in island culture.

During this period, Uncle Gene actively participated in protest marches, gaining insight into contemporary Indigenous issues and political activism. His experiences fuelled a commitment to challenging misconceptions and advocating for the rights of First Nation people.

Uncle Gene’s journey began with a talent for AFL, leading to representation in Queensland’s Under 16 team and subsequent opportunities in Victoria’s football clubs. He then travelled Australia, playing AFL and immersing himself in many mobs across the nation. Post-football, he entered government roles under Aboriginal employment strategies and discovered his calling as an educator, specializing in Aboriginal Cross-Cultural Training.

His dedication to cultural education expanded during his tenure with Qld Health (2006-2019), where he shared dreamtime stories, played the Yidaki (colloquially known as the Didgeridoo), and taught cultural songs and dances. Inspired to preserve his cultural heritage, he authored dreamtime stories for children, complemented by native animal puppets.

Since 2009, Uncle Gene has led the Ninghy Ninghy Dance Group, named in homage to Redcliffe Peninsula’s traditional owners. Today, he shares his extensive knowledge through diverse cultural programs in childcare centres, schools, and organizations, aiming to leave lasting cultural legacies for all Australians to appreciate and embrace.