ALMOST 2000 students at Brisbane’s St Laurence’s College gathered for the national launch of Socktober, Catholic Mission’s schools engagement program.
St Laurence’s is one of more than 100 schools to register for Socktober 2020, that uses the world game of soccer to encourage students to learn about mission and social justice, core parts of the Catholic curriculum.
As part of Socktober, students are invited to create a “sockball” from recycled materials, register as a fundraiser on an online platform, encourage family and friends to sponsor their efforts, and then kick some goals for kids in need.
“Soccer is played in every corner of the world and is one of the few things that truly unify people of all backgrounds,” Catholic Mission’s national community engagement officer Matt Poynting said.
“One of the most important things to do when we look to support people in need around the world is to first learn their reality.
“Socktober helps students and their families to do that, while having fun and making a difference.”
The initiative is divided into two key parts: the Socktober Challenge – a six-week program of mission and social justice resources and activities to do in class or at home; and the Socktober Shootout – a penalty shootout activity to be held as part of each school’s Mission Day, usually in Term 4.
“Mission, social justice and advocacy are a strong part of the DNA of St Laurence’s College,” principal Chris Leadbetter said.
“Students at the college are always engaged, through our Faith in Action programs, in activities that always challenge them and make them think about those in our society who are marginalised.
“Socktober helps us walk in solidarity with others by trying understand them further.”
