STUDENTS at St Joseph’s School, Childers, went out for a walk one day and raised more than $2000 for refugee children held in Australian detention centres.
The Year 4 to 7 students were joined by students from Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay, on the 10km Walk for Refugee Children living in detention centres up and down hills on the outskirts of Childers.
Every kilometre the group stopped for a prayer of the faithful and on the halfway mark students again said a prayer, ate fruit and refreshed.
Teacher Kate Hinton said the day began with a liturgy and ended with a small prayer, barbecue and playtime.
She said the money raised was being sent to the Josephite Sisters in Sydney, who work directly with children in detention centres.
“My Year 4-5 class has been passionate about the plight of refugee children living in Australian detention centres,” she said.
Ms Hinton said they had learnt about refugees, social justice and how, as Christians, they lived in a loving relationship between God and others.
“Since Refugee Week we have been reading, discussing, watching clips, looking at images, talking about the news, answering and asking questions about refugees around the world, with a particular focus on Australia’s commitment to the issue,” she said.
“The children have been really engaged and keen to learn about the plight of refugees in our country and why they come to our country.
“I think this is wonderful, because they recognise the importance in finding a possible solution to a complex issue.”
Ms Hinton said it was wonderful to be supported by another Brisbane Catholic Education school community and the students had certainly made some new friendships.
“We look forward to helping them next year in perhaps one of their social justice events,” she said.
“This will help build stronger connections and partnerships between our schools.”
