Various cases of racism and discrimination have appeared in headlines in Australia the past few months. From schools to public transportation, racism has become an issue that can no longer be ignored. One person who took it upon himself to help stop racism in schools is Jihad Dib, principal of the Punchbowl Boys High School in Sydney.

Mr. Dib has been the principal of the Sydney school for eight years and he is a man on a mission to eradicate racism. He said he has a responsibility to the students being not only a principal but as a role model to help kids become better adults.

The Punchbowl Boys High School in Sydney has a student population of 440 with 35 different cultural groups. Most of the students were not native English speakers. Mr. Dib was proud to say that the school has excellent student achievements.

Despite the strong community ties and committed staff, the school will always remember its troubled past. Mr. Dib said there was a time when violence and damage were not considered unusual. He said the worst was probably a student threatening the principal and a car being set on fire as it was driven through school gates. It was also during that time that the local community was struggling with crime, drugs and gangs on the streets.

Mr. Dib said when the community was in turmoil, the kids in school started giving up on themselves, including the parents. However, the teachers were not giving up on the kids.

After taking over as school principal in 2007, Mr. Dib was faced with a hard task. As one of the youngest principals at 33 years old during that time, he was very determined to turn things around.

Together with the staff, he sought to bring the community closer to the school. In dealing with issues of racism, the school has hired anti-racism contact officers who are also working to build a sense of community.

The teachers, staff and students agree that what Mr. Dib has done turned things around for the school. Not only is he a principal, Mr. Dib also acts like a father to the kids.

Anti-racism campaign launched

The Australian Human Rights Commission has released hip hop videos targeted at Australia's youth as part of its anti-racism campaign in schools. The anti-racism video named "What you say matters" is a collaboration with hip hop artist Shannon Williams also known as Brothablack.

Mr. Williams said the hip hop video was one way to get the message across. The video aims to reach out to kids and tell them that racism is wrong.

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