An innovative intercultural training program developed by Scripture Union (SU) Australia is gaining momentum in schools, opening new doors to share the gospel.

Called, “CHAT” (Cultural, Hearing, Asking and Telling), the program led by trained chaplains or school staff encourages participants to engage in conversations about the Christian faith and cultural diversity, with a view to finding tools of “love, skills and confidence” in relating to people “different to us,” according to a SU Australia news update on March 31.  

The design of the eight-weekly sessions course with activity based learning meets requirements of the Australian Curriculum for Intercultural Understanding.

Tim Fawsett, Group Manager, Cross Cultural Innovation & First Nations for SU Australia, said that more schools recognised the value of CHAT for students and wider school communities. 

“CHAT is a package of intercultural training and a program developed by SU Australia to meet the needs of our increasingly multicultural nation,” said Fawsett.

The program helps students to develop skills in listening, compassion and empathy by fostering respect for other cultures. At the same time, Christian students and CHAT presenters may have the opportunity to share what following Jesus means to them. 

Fawsett referenced the last census, which stated 49% of Australia’s population were either born overseas or had at least one parent born in another country. 

Over the past few years, CHAT has been used by school chaplains and volunteers. Last year, however, Fawcett and his colleagues began praying about offering the program directly to schools and teachers. That vision began to take shape when two schools in Queensland and another in Victoria invited SU Australia to train staff in CHAT, which Fawcett described as “really amazing.”

A Christian school in Melbourne now uses the program in its Year 9 religion and values education classes and has reportedly given positive feedback. Two additional colleges—locations not specified—are also using CHAT content.

“Teachers, and especially those in Christian schools, are at the frontline of shaping young people to live well with cultural and faith diversity,” said Fawcett. “They also need to work out how they feel, talk and work with these very modern interactions.  

“Our hope is that CHAT gives these Christian teachers and students the courage and a resource to share what they believe, with great gentleness and respect, and to create school communities defined by respect, honesty and love.”

Meanwhile, plans are underway to adapt CHAT into a customized format for churches. A pilot program is scheduled for this year, supported by a Bible study curriculum designed to help train church communities.

“How does diversity, cultural diversity, become a resource to help kids become followers of Jesus?” Fawcett asked rhetorically, speaking about the church-focused version of the program. “How can we love our neighbors more, especially when they are ostensibly different from us?”

Further details can be found at chatproject.org.au.