A range of class activities, performances and information sessions run by CatholicCare Social Services Hunter Manning and Navitas were arranged for students as a way to raise student awareness about the plight of refugees.
“We were lucky enough to have some really special speakers share their journeys with us,” said teacher Laura Gallagher.
CatholicCare’s Coordinator Refugee Services, Tania Kelland, explained how CatholicCare provide services for local refugees and their families and how they are able to assist refugees in our diocese. She also thanked the students and school community for their commitment to the cause.
Helen Larkin from Navitas then spoke about the initial arrival of refugees in Australia and the process they must go through to seek asylum here.
Refugees came along to share their stories with Darwich Sido telling of his flee from Syria with his wife and three children and spending four years in a refugee camp before arriving safely in Australia. CatholicCare’s John Sandy also shared his story of escaping Sierra Leone and his 12 year journey to arrive in Australia.
“The day centred on building awareness around media stereotypes and the perseverance and resilience you need to have being a refugee,” said Mrs Gallagher.
All money raised was donated to CatholicCare Refugee Services on Wednesday, 14 December.
