Amnesty International

Amnesty International at SCEGGS supports Refugee Week. This year the theme is Finding Freedom, with a focus on family. This theme aims to shed light on the power of familial bonds, chosen or not, in the face of adversity. It seeks to emphasise the crucial role that these connections play in providing solace, support and a sense of belonging to those forced to flee their homelands.

Refugee week is a celebration of the many ways in which refugees contribute to our society. This ranges from their expansive wisdom and knowledge to their participation in a range of professions. It’s also an opportunity for us to educate ourselves about the issues that affect refugees and listen to the stories of those seeking asylum. Below are several resources to get you started:

• Debunking 10 Myths About Refugees In Australia                
• Stories of Freedom: Family
• Refugees In Australia: Overcoming Adversity, Championing change   

Amnesty international, a social justice organisation, advocates for neighbourhood-driven solutions to increase humanitarian intake and bring our share of refugees safely to Australia. A key initiative for refugees is a community sponsorship program. It aims to allow groups and individuals to provide refugees with employment prospects and support them in their settlement journey.

At SCEGGS we support Refugee Week through the House of Welcome, a safe community for refugees, or otherwise forcibly displaced individuals. For Refugee Week each year, SCEGGS donates food and material aid to our community. Each year group is asked to bring in a specific product, listed as follows:

• Year 7 – savoury biscuits
• Year 8 – shampoo and conditioner
• Year 9 – deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes
• Year 10 – sugar and flour
• Year 11 – laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid
• Year 12 – coffee, tea and cooking oil

We request you to put them in the basket outside the Chapel, and to ensure no spaghetti or baked beans are brought in.

This is an immediate and easy way in which we can provide assistance to those who need it. Our donations really benefit the neighbouring communities that they go to. These goods restock the House of Welcome’s supplies, who hand them out to the people in need, many of whom are refugees.

Thank you in advance,

Isabelle Rath-Mazzochi
Year 10 (on behalf of Amnesty International)