Acting Deputy Principal
Global Connections, Local Impact: Living the Spirit of EREBB
In a world that often feels divided by borders, language, and culture, the Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB) network reminds us of a deeper truth that we are united by shared values of justice, solidarity, and human dignity. With over 280 schools across 20 countries, EREBB empowers students to become compassionate global citizens who celebrate diversity and act for justice.
One powerful example of this global connection comes from Ms Rebecca Duff, Head of Performing Arts, who recently travelled to St Ambrose Academy in Sierra Leone. Ms Duff spent a week teaching at the school, initiating a new EREBB partnership and bringing her passion for drama to a community with very different resources.
What struck her most was the resilience and creativity of the students and staff. “There’s no electricity, no computers, no internet. Everything is old-school learning,” she shared. Yet, despite these challenges, the spirit of learning was vibrant. During her time there, Ms Duff collaborated closely with the school’s Drama Group, leading a series of interactive workshops. She introduced techniques in acting, improvisation, and stage presence, helping students discover new ways to express themselves and build confidence.
Her visit exemplifies the heart of EREBB: creating meaningful connections that transcend material differences and foster mutual growth. These experiences help students understand that while our cultures may differ, our values empathy, respect, and justice unite us.
In today’s interconnected world, global awareness is not just a skill, it’s a necessity. When students learn about others’ lives, they begin to understand the complexity of global issues and the importance of working together to solve them. They also develop cultural respect, recognising that every culture holds wisdom, beauty, and dignity.
Through EREBB, our students learn to:
Celebrate diversity rather than fear it.
Listen deeply to stories from other parts of the world.
Act with compassion for people they may never meet.
Just as empathy helps us build strong local communities, global awareness helps us build a more just and peaceful world. When students connect with others across borders, they practise Ubuntu on a global scale recognising that “we are because we are”, not just in our classrooms, but across continents.
Let’s continue to encourage our students to be curious, open-hearted, and globally minded. Because in the spirit of Ubuntu and EREBB, we are stronger together.
Jodie Connor
Acting Deputy Principal