I believe that student religious groups on campus have a key role to play in supporting international students. These groups provide a sense of stability, belonging and help new international students find friends and establish contacts.
Support
I would like to see that these groups, especially those with a large number of international students as their members, receive additional support from OUSA. Specific groups include Living Buddhism, Muslim University Students' Association, Dunedin Overseas Christian Fellowship, and the Dunedin Chinese Methodist Youth Fellowship just to name a few.
Muslim Students' Prayer Room on Campus
I plan to action upon a promise that was not fulfilled. I plan to set up a Muslim students' prayer room in a central area on campus. This can be done at the Clubs & Societies building through their permanent room booking system. One room will be for males, and another for females.
A Multi-faith Prayer & Reflection Room
Down the line, I hope to work with the chaplaincy services of the university to establish a multi-faith prayer room or if there are no resources, perhaps an hour's time slot in a room where students of all faiths and beliefs can come in to an environment that is peaceful and quiet for prayer and reflection.
I once had a stopover at Singapore's Changi Airport and was humbled that there was a prayer room for people of all faiths to congregate in their individual space within a room to pray.
I believe that this can be done. And I will do it.
Support
I would like to see that these groups, especially those with a large number of international students as their members, receive additional support from OUSA. Specific groups include Living Buddhism, Muslim University Students' Association, Dunedin Overseas Christian Fellowship, and the Dunedin Chinese Methodist Youth Fellowship just to name a few.
Muslim Students' Prayer Room on Campus
I plan to action upon a promise that was not fulfilled. I plan to set up a Muslim students' prayer room in a central area on campus. This can be done at the Clubs & Societies building through their permanent room booking system. One room will be for males, and another for females.
A Multi-faith Prayer & Reflection Room
Down the line, I hope to work with the chaplaincy services of the university to establish a multi-faith prayer room or if there are no resources, perhaps an hour's time slot in a room where students of all faiths and beliefs can come in to an environment that is peaceful and quiet for prayer and reflection.
I once had a stopover at Singapore's Changi Airport and was humbled that there was a prayer room for people of all faiths to congregate in their individual space within a room to pray.
I believe that this can be done. And I will do it.
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