E/CN.4/2002/24/Add.1 page 54 124. In view of its success, the Centre receives subsidies from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, mainly for the teaching of English. The English courses for migrants form part of the Department’s Adult Migrant English Programme, each new immigrant receiving a grant for 510 hours of study of English. However, senior Centre staff consider that this length of time, which has been reduced following budgetary restrictions on programmes for migrants, is insufficient to enable a non-English-speaker to gain a sound command of the language and enable him to become integrated in society. 125. In cooperation with the Fairfield authorities and various associations, the Centre organizes cultural events to celebrate Harmony Day on 21 March, which corresponds to the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination adopted by the United Nations, and also the celebrations of the various communities (Chinese, Khmer and Lao New Year, Latin American community festivals, German beer festival, etc.). Other activities form bridges between the various communities and thus help them to avoid living in a closed environment, for example, through the exchange of t’ai chi and flamenco lessons between immigrants of Chinese and Spanish origin. These activities provide an opportunity for making the most of ethnic diversity and highlighting its positive aspects. 126. The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia was established in 1979 as an umbrella organization for the ethnic bodies set up in the various states and territories. The Federation regards itself as the spokesperson for non-English-speaking Australians in order to ensure that they genuinely participate in multiculturalism. It seeks to represent the interests and concerns of ethnic Australians through: the formulation of relevant policies; representation to government; participation in public debates; consultation with industry, the professions and community organizations; organization of seminars and conferences; and community education. It monitors a wide range of issues, including social welfare, employment, language policy and immigration. 127. The Australian Arabic Council, in addition to its activities to combat racism and racial discrimination, endeavours through various cultural and information activities to promote a better knowledge and appreciation of the Arab community. Every year, the Council organizes Arabic Cultural Day, which presents Arab culture from several angles (art, literature, religion, contribution to the progress of mankind, etc.). Every year, the Council awards a prize to a journalist who has shown objectivity in his or her coverage of events relating to the Arab-Australian community. The Council also engages in several training activities for members of the community, notably by organizing seminars on relations with the press, lectures and debates. It has also undertaken to change the stereotyped view of Arabs propagated by schools by initiating a pilot project in conjunction with the history teachers’ association in the State of Victoria; thanks to this project medieval history has been re-evaluated, showing that Europe’s dark ages coincided with the golden age of the Arab world. 128. The contribution of the Jewish organization, the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, to inter-communal harmony has been reflected in several projects, including a mobile exhibition on intolerance entitled “Courage to Care”. The aim of this exhibition is to educate young Australians, and the general public, about racism in particular and prejudice in