Written by:
Cath Lipman, Teacher / Social Justice Coordinator, Waverley College
Education isn’t just about academic lessons; it’s also about fostering a deeper understanding of life and the world we live in. Schools play a crucial role in teaching students community values and exposing them to the diverse fabric of our society. This holistic approach fosters the emotional intelligence necessary for students to lead successful and impactful lives.
Whether we realise it or not, many of us take for granted how fortunate we are to have access to basic human rights such as food, shelter, health, and education. By partnering with local groups such as homeless shelters, soup kitchens, schools for students with special needs, and Indigenous organisations, social justice programs have the power to show our students the true range of human experience and show them just how fortunate they are.
Nurturing perspective, empathy, and compassion
I believe social justice education is fundamental to students’ growth. Enabling students to engage in community-focused activities, such as serving meals at neighbourhood kitchens, or assisting with essential tasks at homeless shelters, or visiting aged care homes to share stories with senior Australians, allows them to share kindness and gain insights into the challenges faced by marginalised communities and the systemic gaps that exist – providing them with a valuable perspective on their own lives, and how even the smallest actions can contribute to positive change.
Fostering community-mindedness
At Waverley College, our own social justice program aligns with our core EREA Touchstones of Inclusive Community and Gospel Spirituality, fostering a deep understanding of human rights and community values within our students. In just a short time since starting the program, we have seen the incredible impact that this type of social education can have – not just on our students but also throughout the community.
Over five weeks, participating students work with local organisations to forge meaningful relationships and witness firsthand the impact they can make. While some students have felt hesitant to participate at first, we’ve found that this quickly changes once they engage with the various community groups involved in the program.
By working with a range of different organisations, students are exposed to people they might not otherwise meet. This connection inherently helps to broaden their perspectives and helps them understand the pivotal role they can play in the community. By interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, students develop a deeper sense of the world around them.
This understanding is crucial for nurturing emotional intelligence and fostering a generation that cares for their community both personally and professionally. Only by experiencing the fulfilment that comes from engaging with the community can young people understand its impact on both a personal and broader level.
Inspiring the next generation of social entrepreneurs
As educators, we are tasked with nurturing a generation who will eventually be the changemakers and decision-makers of the world around us. With this in mind, it’s up to us to foster an understanding of the connection between human rights, economic necessity, and social entrepreneurship.
By instilling these values in our students early on, we aim to empower them to become future leaders who are committed to making a difference. Raising student awareness of the economic necessity to protect minority groups and amplify the voices of the homeless, disabled, elderly, and Indigenous populations is the only way to cultivate future leaders who will make decisions that help bridge societal gaps.
The values learned through participation in our own justice program are integral to the character we aim to help students develop – values that are championed by our leadership team, reinforced by staff, and modelled by students throughout the school. By embedding these principles into our educational framework, we strive to cultivate individuals who not only excel academically but will also go on to contribute meaningfully to the society they live in.
