Youth For A Better Tomorrow: Outreach & Social Justice

(This is the second in a series of articles on our school communities’ outreach to others in our world, action which teaches Lasallian Christian service, based on the Gospel’s call to social justice. Click HERE to read the first article.)

Snack Packing for St Vincent de Paul

Many Catholic communities are familiar with “Vinnies” through parish face-to-face help to those in need, an array of critical social services or through the hundreds of shops selling cheaper goods in everyday suburbs (850 in 4 Australian states)*. Holy Spirit College Lakemba participates in an outreach initiative for Vinnies. Three hundred snack packs are produced by seniors in one day; they are “touched by their experience (and)…feel immense joy as they are able to make a difference”, reports Tanya Grana, REC.

The College has, as one of its aims, “to promote involvement in the wider Catholic community”; it wishes to inculcate in students “owning engagement in active learning opportunities”.

A second project begun in 2022 is the annual “Christmas Toy Run”, supporting Catholic Care Sydney. This created last year 109 gifts to benefit young people experiencing hardship in the strongly working-class and multicultural local area. Each homeroom class raised money; its generosity “has been a testament to the faith and goodness of the …College community.

Agents of Change Beyond the School Gates

De La Salle College Malvern also believes that social outreach is integral religious education in a Christian school.

“We continue to put our local and global neighbours in the forefront of our minds. Social justice and student learning is central to the annual “Cambodia Immersion program” for senior students." As a College newsletter says:

“This was achieved through immersion into daily life, giving concern for the poor, and respecting the dignity of all through our interactions with children and young people whose lives have been impacted by poverty and HIV/AIDS. The Immersion team headed to Kampong Speu Province to live and work with the community of “NHCC” (New Hope for Cambodian Children), where children impacted by HIV/AIDS are supported by the generosity of donors and volunteers to help them live happy and healthy lives. In Phnom Penh we volunteered at ‘Sunrise Cambodia’, an Australian organisation founded by Geraldine Cox AM with a focus on Cambodia’s most vulnerable children and the communities in which they live. At both communities, we undertook building works to better their facilities for the health and enjoyment of all. Life-time memories were made”.

Another and decades-long signature event is the Term 1 “Mission Action Day” – the 13 km walk / run locally to raise money for the Lasallian Foundation. Thinking of others and supporting poor or vulnerable people is enacted in the winter clothes drive of he local SVDP. Donating to local food banks shows solidarity with less fortunate local people.

Saving Lives in Port Moresby

A Blood Donation drive gave people at La Salle Technical College Hohola the opportunity to expand health in PNG last year.

“On Wednesday, 06th November 2024 our school participated in the blood donation drive that was initiated by the Port Moresby General Hospital. The drive occurred at …the College. The aim of the drive is to raise awareness about the critical need for blood donations and to support the hospital's effort in maintaining an adequate supply for patients in need.

“The drive saw a strong turnout, with 25 students and 2 teachers stepping forward to donate blood. Their generosity will go a long way in ensuring that those in need of urgent medical treatment have access to this life-saving resource. Many would-be donors were unfortunately unable to give blood due to medical reasons. While this was disappointing for those who were eager to donate, the hospital staff reassured them that there were many other ways to support the cause, including spreading awareness and encouraging others to donate. 

“The hospital staff on hand provided guidance and support, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants throughout the process. Port Moresby General Hospital is hopeful that this initiative will inspire more blood donations in the future and help foster a spirit of community responsibility among the younger generations”.

*Queensland and South At figures not accessed

Source: Br Gary Wilson