What is Refugee Week?
Every year in June, EREA schools celebrate Refugee Week. This week is dedicated to celebrating the contribution of refugees in our community while also raising awareness of the issues affecting refugees. By doing so, students are educated about what it is like to be a refugee in Australia.
Detention for Detention
During Refugee Week, external guest Pamela Dunn was invited to speak at Edmund Rice College Wollongong. Pamela Dunn is a member of Grandmothers for Refugees, a group that advocates for the safe welcome and settlement of all asylum seekers. On this day, Pamela Dunn spoke to both staff and students about the power of compassion and solidarity.
You can read more about the day here.
You can read more about the day here.
Indefinite Sleepout
In May, 25 staff and students from Edmund Rice College Wollongong took part in the ‘Indefinite Sleepout’. Together, they slept out from home to demonstrate solidarity with Dr Javed Badyari who has been sleeping out from home for 1000 days to draw attention to the detention of asylum seekers.
Act for Peace Ration Challenge
As part of Refugee Week, members from Edmund Rice College Wollongong participated in the Act for Peace Ration Challenge. This initiative aims to draw attention to the issues of food insecurity faced by asylum seekers and refugees while also raising funds. In total, students and staff raised over $5000. A job well done.
See here for more information.
See here for more information.
Ukrainian Refugee Crisis
Other Edmund Rice schools such as Aquinas College in Western Australia, held sausage sizzles to raise funds and support Ukrainian refugees. Students were also encouraged to wear a jumper representing their favourite sporting team to demonstrate their solidarity with Ukrainian refugees.
