Edmonton Interfaith Centre
Ongoing Program
Walking Together: A Program to Teach Religious Diversity
This program is available for everyone. Here are the details.
Walking Together is an experiential program for fifth - seventh graders and their parents. Its aim is to teach appreciation of the religious - and other - differences which are found in our community.
The program also aims to create positive relationships both between adults and children from the different religious expressions, and also between parents and children as they together learn the importance of tolerance and understanding.
Why is Walking Together Needed?
One of the most important unmet needs for children in Canada is the teaching of empathy, appreciation and understanding of ethnic, racial, sexual, gender and religious differences among members of the community. The failure to meet this need often leads to fear, hatred and stereotyping of those who are diferent from us. This lack of understanding and tolerance may also lead to violent acts and hate crimes which are on the rise both in large urban areas and also in smaller rural communities.
What is Special About Walking Together?
There are many programs that focus on prejudice and intolerance. The programs most often approach these topics from a negative point of view. Our program, on the other hand, approaches these topics from a positive angle. We believe that if we catch the children early enough, then they will be receptive to our message. Walking Together focuses on the values of appreciation and respect, creating positive reinforcement and tools which will enable the students to avoid the pitfalls of intolerance and hatred as they reach their teen years.
Where is the Program Offered?
Walking Together is hosted in Churches, Synagogues and Mosques throughout the community. The entire program lasts nine hours and is divided into three, three-hour sessions usually held over three weeks. During these sessions, students and parents learn of the similarities which unite us and differences which help to form our diverse community.
The Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action was established with a dream that
all faiths could work together for the common goals of love, justice, service and compassion.
The Interfaith Centre aims to celebrate and defend the diversity of religious expression in our community.
For more information on "Walking Together", click here or contact us at:
11148 - 84th Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 0V8
Tel 780-413-6159