As the new academic year begins, schools have a great opportunity to explore new initiatives that empower student engagement with their communities.
For those seeking to include meaningful social justice and community service initiatives into their programs, Uniting Vic.Tas, a community services organisation of the UCA, offers great opportunities for schools: ‘Food for Families’ and ‘Uniting op shops’, for instance.
These initiatives help students develop leadership and teamwork skills while embracing values of spiritual development and justice for all peoples and the environment.
Food for Families
By organising a ‘Food for Families’ box in classrooms for a few weeks, a term, or even year-round, students will gain an understanding of food insecurity and the challenges faced by many families.
Success story: Over the last three years, Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School (PEGS) has been contributing non-perishable food and essentials items supporting families and individuals in need. Through this ongoing project, students develop a deeper awareness of food insecurity, community responsibility and empathy for those in need.
“I’ve learned that it actually does make a difference … you might think ‘oh it’s just one can’, but for someone that one can actually means a lot.” shared by PEGS student Olivia.
Sign your school up to Food for Families here
Uniting op shops
Uniting op shops are vibrant hubs of sustainability, where good-quality, pre-loved items are given a second life and sold at affordable prices. Currently, there are 17 stores across Victoria and Tasmania, including Ballarat, Geelong, Brunswick and other suburbs around Melbourne.
Students can participate through:
- Volunteering and gaining hands-on experience.
- Exploring behind the scene.
- Collaborating on projects focused on fast fashion and sustainability.
Contact Nooshy Farid, Events and Networking Coordinator at Uniting Op Shops, at Nooshy.Farid@vt.uniting.org.
Both initiatives provide powerful ways to bring the UCA’s values to practice, thus encouraging students to foster compassion, collaboration, and a deep commitment to justice and environmental sustainability.
Get your school involved and make a lasting impact.
