St Ignatius. Inspiring me to be a leader - Refugee Week

The end of Term 2 marked the College’s acknowledgement of Refugee Week. With a focus on the 2023 theme ‘Finding Freedom’ students and staff participated in activities to raise awareness and gain a deeper understanding of the living conditions of Refugees.

On Monday, 60 students took part in the Silent Protest, which meant refraining from speaking the entire day as a show of solidarity. The 3-day Ration Challenge also commenced on Monday, with 28 students surviving on rice, chickpeas, beans, lentils, flour, and tuna, replicating the experience of those receiving ration packs in a refugee Camp.

Throughout the week films and documentaries were played during lunch in the ILC to educate students on the living conditions of refugees and asylum seekers.

On Tuesday at recess 17 students and 7 teachers commenced their 24 hours in ‘The Cage.’ The Cage involved sleeping overnight, doing remote classes and eating as one would in a Refugee Camp. This allowed a deeper understanding of the effects of the refugee’s living conditions on everyday functioning. We were extremely fortunate and grateful to have guest speaker, Than LeRodda, who shared her emotional story of her experience as a refugee from Vietnam. The Sahmn Neighbour documentary and a conversation with Father Javier Diaz gave additional insight into the difficulty of surviving in and out and before and after the refugee camps. This instigated deep reflection to end the night with an Examen.

Below are student reflections on this moving experience.

'Over the past 24 hours spent in The Cage, I have gained an invaluable insight into the daily life of a refugee. The struggles that they endure and the deprivation of things that we would normally take for granted. However, I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience and look forward to doing it again next year.' - Jack W

'This year, I again participated in The Cage, which provided me with extra insights into the hard lives of refugees around the world. Hearing from guest speakers was definitely a highlight of the experience for me, and I enjoyed learning about healthcare within countries that house refugees, as well as a real life experience from a past staff member, Thanh. These speakers opened my eyes to the struggles real people face in their escape from war, disaster, etc. Sleeping out at school was a fun experience, and an experience which I am grateful for.' Erika S.

The Social Justice Team has also been aiming to raise much-needed funds during Refugee Week, and if able we ask for contributions to the below link;

https://www.google.com/url?q=h...

It was incredible to see so many students get involved. The strong engagement of students generated curiosity, consequently stimulating students to ask questions and respond to the injustices of the refugee crisis.

There are a number of people who helped make Refugee Week an opportunity for deep reflection about the refugee crisis and I would like to extend a thank you to Ms Doble, Social Justice Coordinator, who put in so much effort to make sure the week ran smoothly. As well as the Youth Ministry Team including Mr Tod, Amelie and Jarryd as well as Olivia Whitehead, Mrs Taylor Payne, and Mr Lewis for their support and contribution. A massive thank you to all staff and students who helped and participated in the week's activities. Your action, no matter how small, made a huge difference in the lives of others and in signifying our college's empathy for those most vulnerable.

Keep a lookout for ways to get involved in social justice activities for next term!

Alana Clark

Social Justice Capatian