For Pre-Senior students at Haileybury, social justice is not simply something they learn about in the classroom. It is something they experience, question and put into action.
In Term 3, the Pre-Senior program focuses on generosity. Students are encouraged to shift their focus from looking inward to looking outward. Generosity of spirit is about more than giving. It is about kindness and service to others.
For the final two weeks of Term 3, more than 530 Pre-Senior students travel to local and global locations as part of the Explore & Expeditions program. These experiences provide students with many opportunities to put the qualities of generosity into practice.
Service with purpose
The Vietnam Expedition combines physical activity, service, social justice and cultural immersion. Students spend time in the stunning hill tribe region of Na Bai, where they work alongside the local Hmong community on a service project.
This year students constructed solar-powered streetlights, with different groups taking responsibility for assembling lights, preparing sites and moving materials.
Students reflected in their trip journals; the experience was about much more than completing a project.
“Starting the project this afternoon was the highlight of our day.”
The following day, another group of students reflected on the moment the completed lights illuminated the village.
“The true value of our actions became clear as we stood together, watching the powerful lights illuminate the darkness.”
On the Discovery Explore, students visit OzHarvest to learn about food waste, food insecurity and the importance of supporting people experiencing hardship. Students transform rescued ingredients into nutritious meals to be distributed to vulnerable communities. They talk about the significance of their contribution and why generosity and service matter.
“We had an awesome session today at OzHarvest. It was not only fun but an informative and humbling experience.”
The Whitsundays Expedition provides students with an education about coral restoration, as they participate in a beach clean-up. They explore the importance of protecting marine environments while contributing to the health of the local coastline.
Far North Queensland Explore engages our students in a challenging mangrove conservation clean-up activity. The students collect large hessian bags of rubbish from the mangroves alongside the Cairns boardwalk.
Closer to home, the Yarra Ranges Expedition provides opportunities for meaningful service within the local community. Students contribute to service projects while developing a greater sense of social responsibility.
For students, these experiences make social justice tangible. They see the purpose behind their work and gain an appreciation of the importance of community, service and generosity of spirit.
Bronwyn Harrop
Head of Social Justice
