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From 8 to 18 September, eight senior teachers and college leaders from across the Edmund Rice Australian school network embarked on a journey that took them into the heart of ERFA’s projects, bringing them face to face with beneficiaries – people living in extreme poverty in Kenya and Uganda.
The experience covered the full gamut of human emotions. Some experiences were challenging. There were moments of pure joy, intersected by sadness, hope and gratitude.
Presence and compassion were guiding principles during a tight 10-day schedule. Through varied urban and rural settings in Kenya and Uganda, the group witnessed the transformative power of education and training. All projects focused on learning and skill development, nurturing individuals and communities to grow and be bold in their aspirations.
Highlights were many. To see the resilience with which people succeed and excel despite poverty, disability and limited resources is always breathtaking. To see our project partners working hard to overcome vast challenges and still motivate with professionalism, compassion, enthusiasm and love is humbling – a masterclass is best-practice humanity. We are so fortunate to work with the amazing people that deliver our projects.
The beauty and diversity of the incredible humans that we met was matched by a fabulous and vibrant musicality – a spectacle that is difficult to put into words. Singing and dancing were the immersion group’s constant companion. An orchestra, an acrobatics performance, formal and informal choirs, drums, dancing, and endless amounts of joy – all a giddying reminder of the amazing gift of life.
As for the educators involved, they will need to tell their own stories, but based on the reflections shared in the group, this was a powerful experience for all participants. An experience that fueled the hearts and souls to fire the engine that fights for justice and solidarity for all. Thank you St Joseph’s Nudgee College, St Pius X College, St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace, and St James College for supporting this experience. A special thank you to the participating educators – the energy and spirit you brought to this experience was outstanding.
Liberation comes in many forms, and the participants of Into the Heart 2024 bore witness to this through direct contact with the East-African projects that ERFA leads and supports. Education is the common focus – quality learning outcomes for children, adults, and people living with disabilities; financial literacy, farming and trade skills; health and human rights services and advocacy.
Into the Heart is a call to action. In the tradition of Edmund Rice, we are asking the school communities that bear his name to be engaged, courageous, and directly support a global movement embedded in justice and solidarity.
If you would like to be involved in this immersion in the future – an opportunity and a privilege – contact us for more details.
Jason Bongers
Schools and Community Engagement Manager
Mobile: 0435 934 982. Email: jbongers@edmundrice.org
