By Kerry Stone
An enthusiastic group of sixty-five students and teachers from nine Sandhurst secondary colleges gathered for an action-packed program in Beechworth last week. Initial mixing games brought everyone into small contact groups with a new bunch of friends to get to know! The first night provided a stark awakening to injustice in our world with only 15% enjoying a plentiful meal of burgers, pizza and roast chicken, cakes and soft drink while those in the middle, ate rice and beans and the poorest, simply rice!
The Global Reality Meal is a metaphor for how food and other resources are inequitably distributed in the world. The underlying premise is that everyone on earth has the same basic needs; it is only our circumstances – where we live and the culture we are born into – that differ. Each person’s place is randomly determined. This initiation into the gap between rich and poor proved a motivating factor for action throughout the camp.
Over the following days, students shared justice concerns about climate change, poverty, asylum seekers and refugees, the environment, indigenous culture and reconciliation, overseas aid and development, through prayer, talking, listening, storytelling, journaling, reflecting, discussing, social media, celebrating and having fun.
Participants attended two thematic workshops of their choice followed by an Open Forum with all workshop presenters. An Amazing Race provided a fun focus during free time at the Beechworth shops! Thursday evening’s viewing of the film, ‘The Public’, provided entertainment along with reflection on poverty, dignity, and publicity!
On the final day, participants gathered in school groups to develop an action plan which began with a major issue and moved from awareness-raising and solidarity through to fundraising and taking action to produce change – restoring justice! Final presentations of their plan by each school left organisers in no doubt that students had been inspired and equipped to return to their local communities to make a difference! A student-led final liturgy sent everyone forth to ‘ignite the flame’ for justice.
