Raising funds for the community: Year 9 Notre Dame College female leaders Ivy Henderson, Kiera Shaw, Emily Putman, Hannah Turner, Cidra Chkhaydem and Elena Radevski.
Photo by
Kelly Carmody
Earlier this year, at a Seeds of Justice Leadership camp in Anglesea, Year 9 Notre Dame College female leaders were inspired by the words of a guest speaker named Abdul.
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Abdul spoke to the students about his challenges as an Afghan refugee and the hardships he faced before seeking a better life in Australia.
One conversation that particularly caught the students’ attention was about the circumstances of schooling for girls in Afghanistan.
According to Abdul, girls in Afghanistan often don’t have the opportunities for a basic education, which frequently leads to their exploitation.
Abdul was working with the Ballarat Afghan Action Group when he spoke to the students.
He was also collaborating with the group to raise much-needed funds for teachers and other educational resources for girls in Afghanistan, aiming to provide them with a better life filled with more opportunities.
The students were deeply moved by this information and decided to explore ways to help.
They consulted with teachers and leaders at the Notre Dame Emmaus campus and initiated a competition called the Mercy Cup.
Going for goal: Notre Dame College student Mohamed Al Salem.
In this competition, each of the school’s six houses participated in 25-minute soccer matches during Friday lunchtimes throughout term four.
Teachers and training staff officiated the games, and while some students were actively engaged in a competitive battle, others were busy fundraising.
Sausages, lollipops, chocolates, and Zooper Doopers were among the favourite items sold every Friday to raise money.
Additionally, students organised a ‘guess the number of lollies in the jar’ competition, where contestants paid for a chance to guess.
A substantial amount of $1241.30 was raised from their collective efforts, and on the grand final day, which extended over a lunch period, students decided to donate the funds locally.
“Abdul’s story truly inspired us, and although we initially intended to donate the funds to his charity, he also emphasised the importance of helping our local community,” student Cidra Chkhaydem said.
“So, we discussed what we could do locally and chose to donate the money to FoodShare instead.
“Learning that $1000 could provide 3000 meals was incredible.
“This experience has opened our eyes to some of the harsh realities others face. Everyone deserves an education and a meal.
“It’s been a remarkable experience.”
College deputy principal Jason Giuliani said he admired what the leadership team had accomplished.
Setting a fine example: Year 9 Notre Dame College female leaders Ivy Henderson, Kiera Shaw, Emily Putman, Hannah Turner, Cidra Chkhaydem and Elena Radevski.
Photo by
Kelly Carmody
“To return from a leadership camp and be inspired to effect change autonomously is highly impressive,” Mr Giuliani said.
“Their achievement, dedication and contribution to the local community are equally astounding. We are immensely proud of them all.”
Game on: The Mercy Cup was enjoyed by many Notre Dame students, teachers and staff.
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