Social Outreach News

"Poverty Stops With Me" Initiative 

No Digital Technology for 48 Hours

Dear Parents,

You may be aware through discussion with your child, that they will be participating in Compassion Australia’s "Poverty Stops With Me" initiative this week; Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th September. This initiative has been the focus of our Tutor programme this term and is designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by children living in poverty around the world. This programme links with the World Eradication of Poverty Day on 17th October, 2024.

As part of this initiative, students will go without digital technology devices - such as phones, tablets, and computers - for 48 hours, both at school and at home. The goal is for students to experience, in a small way, the limitations faced by children who do not have access to these resources. Through this challenge, we hope to foster empathy and reflection, while also raising awareness about global poverty. The students were given two options in their Tutor group to participate:

• Option 1: No digital technology at all for 48 hours
• Option 2: No digital technology for the two days at school only

In addition, students will have the opportunity to raise funds for Compassion Australia’s work in supporting children in need. These contributions will help provide essential resources such as food, education, and healthcare for children living in extreme poverty. 

The aim is for each Year 10 student to raise at least $50. This amount will go a long way to help eradicate children in poverty. The issue of poverty is complex and can feel overwhelming, while a solution can feel unachievable. “Poverty Stops With Me” partners with educators in the classroom to inform and inspire students to use their heads, hearts and hands to move with compassion and make a real difference.

We encourage you to support your child during this time by helping them manage their device-free period and discussing the importance of the cause; along with raising sponsorship. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and inspire positive change.

Click this link for further information relating to this cause, along with Blue Mountains Grammar Schools sponsorship page.

Thank you for your support and for helping us make this initiative a success.

Please let me know if you have any questions relating to any of the above information.

Brendan O'Keeffe

Social Outreach Coordinator