TWENTY-ONE students from St Augustine’s College, Springfield, opted for a confronting week of helping the homeless as part of their annual Year 10 “Significant Experience” program.
Those who took part thought this would be an eye-opening event, too rewarding to miss – and it was.
“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said 14-year-old Willow Durrington, “It’s not every day you get to give up your time for someone who needs it.”
Throughout the week, students were encouraged to put themselves in the position of a homeless person.
“We dressed up in old clothes and sat in Queen Street Mall to see what it would feel like,” Willow said.
“Most people ignored us and wouldn’t make eye contact, but one Christian lady offered to take us home with her.”
The aim of the Street Retreat program was to remove any existing stereotypes the students might have had about homelessness.
During the week the students served lunches, packed food parcels and listened to stories of reformed drug and alcohol addicts.
They worked with organisations including Ozcare and Mission Australia.
Another student, Jordan James, said his perceptions of homeless people changed after interacting one-on-one with the homeless.
“We got to mingle and spend time together,” he said.
“Most of them were really nice and just wanted someone to share their stories with.”
St Augustine’s campus minister Simon McAndrew said the week was a success and the transformation in the students was incredible.
“It was a phenomenal experience for them,” he said.
