The social justice movement looks to be alive and well in our next generation.
The positive effects of our children growing up in multi-cultural schools, participating in culture awareness days, doing environmental projects and partnering with social service organisations like VisionWest is becoming evident.
In September, as part of VisionWest’s Sleepless in September campaign, we partnered with local schools to raise awareness about what we do and why we are here. Through these partnerships, we have learnt about some of the amazing projects schools are doing to build an awareness of ‘other’ in young children. We have also met some amazing students of all ages who have so much compassion for their communities.
One such example of this is the fantastic students we met at Glen Eden Intermediate (GEI). Richard Nauck, VisionWest’s Head of Operations visited the school to tell them about Sleepless in September. He explained that when children are going to bed hungry or in the back seat of a car, parents are not sleeping well either, knowing they are unable to provide for their children’s basic needs.
Richard’s message clearly resonated with some students who then chose the theme of alleviating poverty for their class projects.
One enterprising group of girls had a vision to supply hygiene packs for both women and men that VisionWest would be able to distribute to those in need.
But first, they needed money! So they got together and baked, sold their delicious treats in their local neighbourhood and raised $180. First mountain conquered!
Next, Leila, Georgia and Siena carefully budgeted for what the packs would contain and how many they could afford to make and went shopping. And then, going one step further, the girls made the bags to hold the items themselves. Distinguishing the contents by having a pink bag for women and a blue bag for men.
These have all been donated to VisionWest for the benefit of those suffering hardship in our community.
Josh is another student from GEI who was stirred to action. Wanting to give families a break from their struggle and add some joy to the challenges, he contacted Chris Deere, CEO at Rainbow’s End to see what they could do.
Rainbow’s End came to the table with 10 family passes for Josh to give away. He has chosen to give five to VisionWest Commnunity Trust and five to the Auckland City Mission to be distributed to families identified as most likely to benefit.
There is so much hope for the future of humanity when we hear these stories. What is particularly special about these stories is that they lived beyond an idea.
They were brought to life through action.