Living on the Sunshine Coast, it is understandable that many students take for granted receiving a good education in a safe learning environment.
When a group of Year 9 students from Good Shepherd Lutheran College learnt of the plight of children experiencing a very different childhood in Kenya, they wanted to make a difference.
During Term 2, as part of the Rite Journey at Good Shepherd, the focus for the term was service with students looking at various charities and the impact they have on communities and individuals.
Good Shepherd teacher Matt George said, “We felt it important to not just talk about the benefits and great things others are doing but to act on it and do something that will benefit others.“
“We chose to support the Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) which reaches out to people hurt by poverty, injustice and crisis.
“Using the ALWS campaign platform Walk My Way, students raised money through sponsorship with every $26 enabling a refugee child who has escaped conflict at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, get an education by supplying teachers, textbooks and tables.”
While other students enjoyed a more relaxed end to the school term, this group of 30 students walked 26km, from the college campus in Noosaville, through to Castaways, along the beach up through the Noosa National park and eventually finishing at the Pirate Park on Gympie Terrace.
Mr George spoke highly of the students.
“The students did really well,“ he said.
“They promoted their hike which resulted in generous donations and raised awareness of the importance of education for children forced to flee to refugee camps.
“These kids now understand that school helps children recover from trauma, make new friends, follow a routine, and learn.”
Year 9 student Flynn Price said, “We’ve enjoyed every minute of the journey and loved reflecting with friends along the way.“
“It’s hard to imagine what those kids in Kenya have experienced and if we can make a small difference, then it was definitely worth the blisters and sore feet.”
The students’ original fundraising target of $2000 was achieved quickly thanks to the generous support from the community.
With a final total of close to $3500 being raised, these students were able to make a difference to the lives of less fortunate children on the other side of the globe.
If you would like more information on the vital work undertaken by Australian World Lutheran Services please visit alws.org.au
