Video transcript
Public Education Week 2024 – Multicultural Playwrights Program

Student 1

Belonging to me means, being accepted and a place where you're comfortable and respected.

We’ve been planning a play with different schools and our play’s about friendship.

Students together

My friend is the best!

Gabby Pasztor

I think Public Education is really important for everyone to have the same opportunities, to do something creative and exciting like this program. Primarily in our area, we have students from China, Korea, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam. Students from all over the world.

Student 2

I think if the teacher chooses us to do this program, I think in the teacher’s hearts, we are very important.

Gabby Pasztor

Well, I think when you move to a new country, it's very isolating. And it doesn't matter your age or it doesn't matter where you work or where you study. It can be a really scary experience.

I think it's really nice to go from feeling isolated to feeling like, oh, actually, there's a lot of people in the same situation as me.

Student 3

And the 3 drama teachers let us be confident, let us be very happy. And I think they are very kind and I'll be very happy here.

Student 1

It showed me how to accept everything that’s coming up. Like to accept what I had before and what I have now and how I belong here.

Gabby Pasztor

I came to Australia when I was six, so I'm an immigrant myself, and it's through programs like this that really helps them to belong and helps them to enjoy where they are and what they're doing.

Students together

Friends, friends new and old. Make me braver, make me bold. Surprise!