During the Term 3 holidays I was honoured to be a part of the World Vision Senior Scholarship programme of 2016 along with 30 other students from all over the country. I met extraordinary people who inspired me immensely.
On day 1 we discussed the Syrian Refugee Crisis. Among them 1.6 million people are displaced and in Lebanon, 1 in 4 are refugees. We talked projects to helps these issues in the world, specifically E-WASH, which is to benefit the people in Syria as water is essential for the “sustained well being of children within families and communities, especially the most vulnerable”.
I heard many inspiring stories of how this project has improved the health of those within the village. We also heard World Vision’s approach/role- humanitarian imperative, to help those who need assistance. For example after Nepal’s earthquake, World Vision’s priority was emergency shelter, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, food, child protection, education and hygiene. Due to advocacy being an important part of promotion for justice, we were educated about giving a voice to the world’s most vulnerable.
Day 2 consisted of guest speakers voicing the answer as to how we are able to help the people who live under extreme poverty and what we as a generation can do to restore human dignity – we must take ownership and have righteous anger because poverty is not okay.
A former refugee came in to speak to us, his stories were frightful and terrifying. He was 18 years old at the time and lived on a 45 feet boat, with 2 pregnant ladies, 2 kids and about 20 others. This situation was the biggest challenge he faced because he had to stay alive for 46 days, with minimal food and a single bag of clothes.
We also discussed why Syria is in conflict and what we could do about the impact of colonisation. War is uncontrollable as rules do not apply, Syrians live with constant fear and it’s exhausting. Consequently, war makes people numb on the surface – but beneath everything people are so angry at the injustice of the world and your heart is broken with grief.
Even surviving war can affect someone, this is also known as survivor’s guilt.
Around 1:30pm we were fortunate enough to visit a refugee camp in Auckland. This experience will definitely be engraved in my mind because when I met these kids, they were all so happy and vibrant. I learnt a lot from them and felt extremely honoured to be in contact with these amazing children who deserve a lot more. As part of a small group we played hand games and hung out with these beautiful boys and girls.
Day 3, was a day about leadership, to establish what kind of leader we are and how we can use this to our advantage. All of us have a heart for justice and so we are all change makers.
I came out as the servant type of leader, along with the activist, the visionary and the reformer.
Steve is the founder of The Breakfast Club. He stated that if we want to do something for those who aren’t as fortunate as us, we can, we just need to start today! Bonnie was the founder of Indigo & Iris and motivated me to do what I’m passionate about, to serve others who need my help.
What’s your dream for your school in 2017?
I want to motivate more students to do something, to increase the participation rate in Sancta Maria College, while raising as much money as possible to help those in Syria. When there are fundraisers, I hope to use the new advocacy skills I’ve learnt and promote this cause in 2017, so it will be another successful year for the 40 hour famine.
Victoria Fu
