Courage to Care

On Monday the 13th of May our Year 10 students were educated on the importance of empathy and courage in the face of discrimination from the team at Courage to Care. This coincided with the Year 10 English unit focused on crafting texts in response to a selection of stories from famous holocaust authors, including Anne Frank and Ellie Wiesel.

The Courage to Care Upstander Programs “educate participants on how to counter the dangers of racism, prejudice, discrimination and bullying.”

The Year 10 received an insight into the horrible treatment of various groups historically from around the world, and how everyone has the opportunity to stand up for those who are unfairly targeted. Each English class heard from a guest speaker who either experienced the holocaust firsthand or were the descendants of survivors.

Some responses from our students were that: “it was a deeply moving experience”, “ I never knew that saying nothing [when someone is being bullied], makes the victim feel unsupported”, and “it made me realise how lucky I am.” The lessons the students receive will hopefully impact them for years to come.

Delivered by a team of skilled and dedicated volunteers and featuring inspiring testimonies from Holocaust survivor speakers, the Upstander Programs promote acceptance of diversity within our community, transform bystander behaviour, and inspire participants to become Upstanders.

Upstander Programs encourage participants to become aware of their potential to make a positive difference and offer practical tools for standing up against racism, bullying and prejudice by empowering participants to take positive action – in the schoolyard, workplaces, and our communities.

Heathmont College would like to warmly thank the volunteers of educators, speakers, and facilitators who provided the Year 10s with a well-delivered program that provided the school community with such a valuable experience.

Brett Niven

Literacy Learning Specialist