This year we learn about life for many people in Myanmar. We learn how we can help heal a nation through education. We learn about the children at St John’s School in Hakha, Myanmar, who now have an opportunity to learn by experiencing, investigating, playing and questioning. We also learn about children at St Joseph’s Centre for Children and Adults with HIV/AIDS. The home is like a boarding house where children can live, learn and play together. Thanks to the lobbying of the sisters, many of the children now have a chance to go to school at nearby St Patrick’s, which has adopted a child centred approach to learning. Some of the teachers at St Patrick’s have graduated from a teacher-training programme offered by the Bishops’ Commission for Education, that is funded by Catholic Mission.
The materials provide an opportunity for students to engage with the real-life stories of children, their families and local clergy, religious and lay people all working together to heal a nation through education so that all are able to live with dignity and hope.
This resource is designed to encourage students to deepen their understanding about issues of mission and justice. Each of us is invited to be involved in the work of global mission and share the loving grace of God with all. The materials are based on the See-Judge-Act model.
The theme of this year’s resource is:
“Heal a nation through education.”
Also, this year we reflect on Pope Francis’ Message for World Mission Sunday 2018. He especially includes young people in the impulse to show love to others and share in the mission by developing and fostering their God-given gifts in order to better serve others. “Never think that you have nothing to offer, or that nobody needs you. Many people need you. Think about it! Each of you, think in your heart: many people need me.”
This year we invite your students and school community to:
Pray to express your concerns for those who are affected by poverty. Prayer is a great source of life and communication which keeps us all open to the mystery of God’s loving grace and presence which envelopes each moment of our lives. It is an important means, in faith, to support our brothers and sisters who not only need material support but also spiritual support as they work to build God’s kingdom. Check out our liturgy materials by clicking on the Pray section.
Fundraise ’Sock it to poverty in Myanmar’ and all around the world by fundraising for Catholic Mission to help children like those at St Joseph’s Centre and St John’s School and those in their community. It is an excellent way for students to connect with children in Myanmar, and around the world, and help build God’s kingdom. The “Life to the Full” video may assist to inspire your school community to take up this challenge to share what they have for others. Click on the Fundraising section to find out more.
Advocate to support people like Mary at St Therese’s School and Orphanage in Yangon, Myanmar. We can do this in several ways which you can explore by clicking on the Advocacy link in the Secondary section. There are also links there to our work to end child detention here in Australia and bring an end to the tragic effects on children caused by the experience of detention. These children without a home, are from many countries that Catholic Mission supports through its special projects for children. Just as we work for God’s mission in Myanmar and around the world, this advocacy campaign invites you to ‘build the kingdom’ in various locations around Australia. One child suffering in detention is one child too many. We also shine the spotlight on mining in the Asia-Pacific region.
Learning Outcomes and Indicators
After having taken part in the activities in this World Mission Month School Resource the student will be able to: