Refugee Week 2022 and the Year 11 House of Welcome Food Drive

Year 11 and the Face-to-Face Program                                                               

Last week, Year 11 had the honour of having Mr Rahan Udin come and speak to us as a part of the Face-to-Face Program as a part of Refugee Week. This program, organised by the Refugee Week Council, is presented by a speaker from a refugee background, in which they share their personal story to safety.

Rahan is a refugee from Myanmar, who, along with his family, fled from the armed government conflict which threatened the Rohingya people – the stateless ethnic group of Myanmar which he belongs to. He explained to us his perilous journey to Australia via boat, and then his experience in the refugee camp on Christmas Island. After leaving the camp, Rahan attended the University of Sydney and received a psychology degree. He now works with the Refugee Council as mental health support for those in his community.

All of us were deeply moved by Rahan’s story and found the experience of having him speak directly to us incredibly informative. Whilst we all had prior knowledge about the experience of refugees, having Rahan share his personal story not only increased our awareness, but also our emotional connection with the journey of refugees. Hearing about the dangers of his journey to Australia and the treatment he experienced in the refugee camp illustrated to us the extraordinary courage of refugees around the world. Ultimately, all of Year 11 felt very lucky to have heard from Rahan and we hope this experience will promote positive change within our community.

Bibi Kuo
Year 11

House of Welcome

Just a reminder of the goods that we are asking students to bring in this refugee week. We appreciate all goods that are brought in.

Goods will be delivered to the House of Welcome in Granville in the school holidays, helping support recently arrived refugees and asylum seekers.

Please note: We pay particular heed to the wishes, habits and palates of those receiving our donated goods and respectfully request that you do not supply soup, baked beans or tinned spaghetti.

Dynielle Whitney
Head of Religious Education