smh.com.au
Sydney Program Tackles High Drowning Rates Among Gazan Refugees
Nine-year-old Adam Murad and 10-year-old Mohammed Al-Bashiti, Gazan refugees in Sydney, participated in free learn-to-swim lessons offered by Swim Brothers, a non-profit addressing the high drowning rate among their community; a documentary about the program will screen on Tuesday.
- How does Swim Brothers' approach address the cultural and trauma-related barriers faced by participants?
- Swim Brothers, founded four years ago after a near-drowning incident involving mosque members, provides culturally sensitive swimming lessons, including separate classes for women. The program's success highlights the critical need for culturally tailored water safety initiatives to address disparities in drowning rates among immigrant communities. The program extends beyond swimming lessons, fostering community connection and mental health support.
- What is the significance of Swim Brothers' initiative in addressing drowning rates among immigrant communities in Australia?
- Two young Gazan refugees, Adam and Mohammed, recently participated in free learn-to-swim lessons in Sydney, organized by the non-profit Swim Brothers. This program addresses the high drowning rate among people from their community, particularly men, who account for 82% of drowning fatalities. The initiative is crucial as people born overseas represent one-third of fatal drownings in Australia over the past decade.
- What are the potential long-term impacts of Swim Brothers' community-focused approach on the mental health and social integration of refugees and migrants?
- The Swim Brothers program signifies a broader trend of community-based initiatives addressing the unique challenges faced by refugees and migrants. By incorporating cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed practices, the program demonstrates a successful model for integrating newcomers while prioritizing their safety and well-being. This model could inspire similar programs targeting other vulnerable populations and addressing specific cultural or health needs.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the story positively, highlighting the success of the Swim Brothers program and its impact on the Gazan refugee community. While this is positive, it could be improved by including more information about challenges faced by the program or broader societal issues related to water safety.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and positive, focusing on the program's success and community impact. However, phrases like "jumped into Australian culture" could be considered slightly loaded, implying a seamless and effortless integration. A more neutral alternative might be "participated in".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the Swim Brothers program and its founders, but provides limited information on the overall drowning statistics in Australia, specifically comparing the drowning rates of migrants with those of native-born Australians. This omission could leave the reader with an incomplete understanding of the scope of the drowning problem and the program's overall impact.
Gender Bias
The article mentions that Swim Brothers initially started as a male-only program due to higher drowning rates among men, and later expanded to include women's classes in a culturally sensitive manner. While acknowledging this, it doesn't delve deeper into the reasons behind the gender disparity in drowning rates or explore potential gender biases in access to or participation in water safety programs.
Sustainable Development Goals
The initiative focuses on providing swimming lessons to refugee children, thus improving their safety and reducing the risk of drowning. The program also considers the mental health impact of trauma experienced by refugees, offering a supportive environment and community.