Muslim Students in New Zealand bring Islam Awareness to Campus

Wellington, New Zealand - Dispelling stereotypes about their faith, a group of Muslim students in New Zealand's oldest university are organizing an Islamic awareness week at their campus, inviting their friends and colleagues to have a better understanding of Islam, according to media reports.

"There are misconceptions about women's rights and equality and freedom. We want to offer an alternative perception," Hashmatullah Lafraie, vice president of the Muslim Students' Association in the University of Otago, told Otago Daily Times on Tuesday.

The association's public relations spokeswoman Rinad Tamimi said the week, which began on Monday, aimed to dispel some stereotypes about the faith.

They said about 700 Muslim students from 50 different countries attended the University of Otago and most had positive experiences with the university.

''It's a very spiritual week for the Muslim community to invite others to come and learn more about Islam.''

The events include an interfaith peace lecture at the St David Lecture Theatre on Wednesday night and the ''Meet a Muslim'' evening on Friday at Alhambra Hall.

Encouraging people of different cultures to come together, the Islam awareness week won praise of the University of Otago chaplain Greg Hughson.

Muslims make about 1.1 percent of New Zealand’s 4.5 million population, according to CIA Factbook.