Year 10 Social Justice Program

Year 10 Social Justice Program

In Weeks 5-7 of Term 4, Year 10 participated in a program of social justice activities and awareness-raising. The activities included presentations and workshops from guest speakers and interactive educational workshops. I wish to thank the Year 10 cohort who approached each of the activities in the spirit in which the program was intended; that of listening and engaging in dialogue to help bring about much needed change through compassion and justice. They showed leadership in their conduct and consideration of many social justice issues with an open and inquisitive mind. I also extend my thanks all the staff and providers who gave of their time and efforts so generously; the program really could not have run without the dedication and commitment of such passionate people.

This year’s theme “Our Hope-Filled Future” was centred on an understanding that accountability, agency and healing through truth telling help us to create hope for humanity and creation. With National attention on the Voice to Parliament and the Uluru Statement From the Heart, climate action and gender equity, we can see that we stand at the precipice of a turning point in society. We too, are acutely aware of the presence of suffering and injustices that are a daily reality in our world; the war in Ukraine, the experiences of refugees and migrants seeking a safe place to live, the bravery and courage of the women in Iran, and the men too who support their right to live without fear and persecution, and the very high incarceration rate of our First Nations People, to name a few.

It is from this perspective that we consider what it is to have hope. Truth telling is at the heart of this. We are learning from our First Nations People that this is the first step to Reconciliation and our Christian tradition speaks of this:

If you remain faithful to my word,
you will truly be my disciples.

You will know the truth,
and the truth will set you free. (John 8:31-32)

Some of the activities in this year’s program helping to raise dialogue, discussion and learning included:

  • a keynote address by Uncle Roger, a First Nations Person who speaks with honesty and warmth of his experiences of being a survivor of the Stolen Generations
  • a traditional Australian Indigenous Smoking Ceremony led by Milan Dhiiyaan who have been coming to SCEGGS for a number of years now, opening up dialogue and learning with the school community, as well as inviting us to participate in this ancient gesture of healing bringing people together
  • listening and learning from the stories of Rwandan genocide survivors through the Kumva and Kwibuka program co-ordinated by Ari Lander. Kumva and Kwibuka means to listen and remember, and we are honoured to be part of this program, designed specifically for high school students.

“It is important to share my story to honour my loved ones who have been taken away. The benefit of telling my story is finding my own voice, peace, and hope. By sharing my story, it increases people’s understanding of the survivor experience…” Noel, survivor and presenter of Kumva and Kwibuka

  • learning from the experience of Holocaust survivors through an education program led by the Sydney Jewish Museum to raise awareness and understanding of justice issues of the Holocaust
  • an interactive and practical workshop addressing climate change and the actions that we can take with this. The program is led by Chloe Watfern and of it she says

“…this workshop, delivered through the lens of environmentalism and craftivism is intended to develop literacy in sustainability and climate change through mindfulness, gratitude and letter writing – but not just any kind of letter writing. Facilitators guide participants in the creation of beautifully crafted letters that acknowledge and give thanks to people who are taking action on climate change”

  • the Days for Girls program to help inform and educate students about the experiences of girls and women in developing countries who lack access to basic sanitary items, with the students sewing cloth sanitary pads to be sent to girls and women in developing countries
  • learning from our guest speaker, photographer Nicola Bailey on their perspective on the place of ethics in their profession, enabling the students to reflect meaningfully on accountability and agency in life
  • undertaking practical work experience at Our Big Kitchen in Bondi through the making of meals to be delivered to people living rough in our local community. This program is designed to help us see the responsibility we have in creating hope in this world through compassion, kindness, justice, and service to others

Dynielle Whitney
Social Justice Co-Ordinator