What sorts of things should our young people know about Asia?

These ideas, gathered from the National Statement for Engaging Young Australians with Asia in Australian Schools point to the skills and awareness a student should expect to have by the end of their school days.

Understanding Asia

• Explain what the term Asia means – geographically, historically, culturally, economically.
• Appreciate the diversity of Asia's people, environment, cultures, belief systems and societies.
• Realise the importance of the countries of Asia.
• Understand their economic, strategic and cultural links with other countries, particularly Australia.

Informed attitudes and values

• Be aware of what we have in common and why we need each other.
• Be able to understand, analyse and respond to stereotyped views of Asia and Asian people.
• Support the agreed values of Australian schools, which emphasise cooperation with and mutual respect for our neighbours in Asia.
• Talk confidently about Australia’s future and our relationship with Asia, and the social and ethical considerations involved.

Knowledge of contemporary and traditional Asia

• Have an understanding of traditional Asian societies, cultures and beliefs and how they connect with the world now.
• Appreciate the contribution Asia makes to the world’s culture, traditions and way of life, and to human endeavour – in the arts, science, technology, philosophy, business, education and religion.
• Know about particular episodes, events and issues in the history of Asia, and how they make the region and its countries what they are today.
• Understand the role those events have played in the development of the world.

Australia and Asia

• Understand current trends and developments.
• Be aware of the contributions made to Australian society by Australians of Asian heritage, and by Australians living and working in Asia.
• Understand how increasing cultural diversity through Asian immigration, tourism, investment and trade has influenced Australian society.
• Be familiar with the history of Australia–Asia engagement and how it is relevant to today’s friendship, cooperation and intermittent tensions.

Communication

• Have the skills to confidently get by in diverse cultural settings, at home and abroad, and to make your own contribution to them.
• Be able to communicate effectively with people of the Asian region, both within and outside Australia.
• Be able increasingly, to communicate, in one or more Asian languages.