St Philip’s students embark on global action against poverty Port POPUP - DAupdate Port Stephens Port Stephens News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - October 2, 2024 Fundraising efforts have involved hosting sausage sizzles, free dress days, cake stalls, movie nights and more. A GROUP of 23 Year 9 and 10 students from St Philip’s Christian College, Port Stephens are about to embark on an eight-day journey to the Philippines, where they’ll witness how their fundraising efforts are helping families recover from a natural disaster. Through their involvement in the Global Action Program, in partnership with Compassion Australia, the students from the Port Stephens campus have embarked on a nine-month educational journey. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Their goal is to help families in the Philippines recover from the devastation of Typhoon Rai (known locally as Typhoon Odette) in 2021, which destroyed sixteen of Compassion’s child development centres. Throughout the program, students have gained a deep understanding of the complexity of poverty and received expert coaching on how to fundraise. This Disaster Relief project focuses on restoring three of the affected centres in Cebu province, ensuring that Compassion’s local partners in these communities can effectively serve over 896 children and families. So far, the students have rallied together to raise nearly $23,000, with a goal of reaching $50,000. Their fundraising efforts have involved hosting sausage sizzles, free dress days, cake stalls, movie nights and more. Principal Marty Telfer said this initiative not only aims to assist those in need, but also to educate and transform the students involved. “This trip will expose our students to the real needs that exist in other communities,” Mr Telfer said. “At the same time, they will also be introduced to the significant Compassion projects designed to address these needs.” “This opportunity can be life-changing for a young person as they cross cultures, appreciate differences, grow in empathy, express compassion and develop their leadership.” In partnership with Inspired Adventures, students have received coaching over the past few months to undertake individual and school-wide fundraising activities, aiming to raise around $2,500 to $5,000 each. Year 9 student Scarlet Bradatsch shared what she’s looking forward to the most. “I’m really excited to immerse myself in a new culture, create new friendships, and see for myself how the funds raised will make a difference to those children affected by natural disasters,” Scarlett said. “It’s also been a great way to bring people together for a great cause.”
