Student Social Justice Seminar - Amberley

On the 18th and 19th of March, 78 students from our Kildare Ministries schools attended the Social Justice seminar at Amberley. Below are some students' accounts of their experience at this seminar. 

"Our experience with the Kildare Ministries Student Seminar was, very fittingly, one full of wonder. We interacted with new schools, made new friends and shared ideas on how to make our schools a better place... and that was just the first few hours! The guest speakers not only presented us with information about justice, charity, and environmental justice, they inspired us to make a change in our schools. We were inspired to help those in need and to educate our peers to strive towards achieving justice. Having the opportunity to speak with an Asylum Seeker and have her reflect on her experiences with her family of the conditions of 'detention' and 'processing' centres in Australia was for many of us, a harsh awakening. The Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project helps so many of those struggling, to achieve a better quality of life, however the unjust treatment of asylum seekers in Australia remains an inherent issue, which ultimately can be resolved by striving for justice (as we learnt during the seminars). Overall, the seminar was a great opportunity for us to express our desires for justice and become proactive and productive in actively seeking justice."

Meg Kennedy-Ripon and Claire Byrne - St. Joseph's College Echuca

"On the 18th and 19th of March twelve Kilbreda students were given the opportunity to attend the Kildare Ministries Student Seminar at Amberley. We were joined by students from the other Victorian Kildare Ministries schools. The students from Kildare College in South Australia, joined via Zoom. The workshops focused on Kildare Ministries' new Living Justice, Living Peace Charter. We explored the importance of this document to help embed a culture of social and ecological justice within our everyday lives.

Sr Brigid Arthur, founder of the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) gave us an extremely eye-opening presentation about the harsh realities facing refugees in Australia. The inhumane treatment of these people is having a huge affect on their mental health and wellbeing. It was truly inspirational to hear the firsthand story of Aliyah and her young daughter Myrna. Aliyah's drive and dedication for a safe future for her children was the reason she was so strong and resilient. Another highlight of the camp was having the opportunity for Sister Anne Boyd to speak to us about the importance of ecological justice.

Overall, the seminar was both an eye-opening and valuable experience. It would not have been possible without Renee from Kildare Ministries, Ms Moloney and Mr Dalton as well as the other teachers from the Kildare Ministries schools. We would like to say a big thank you for taking us to such a positive and amazing experience."

Mia Layne and Ollie Cooper – 2021 Year 12 Living Justice Captains, Kilbreda College