Year 12 students at St Mary MacKillop College ended Refugee Week in Australia on Friday 23 June by participating in a Circle of Silence to highlight and raise awareness of the difficulties faced by refugees.
Standing shoulder to shoulder in solidarity and leadership, many wore placards they had handwritten in response to the ‘voiceless-ness’ of many people seeking asylum and being displaced from their homelands around the world.
“You’re Welcome Here”, “Refugees have no choice – you do” and “Allow yourself to be touched by their stories” were among the messages presented to the younger students during recess. Hashtags such as #bringthemhere and #closethecamps were also displayed, as well as song lyrics and a reminder that “Jesus was a refugee too”.
The result was a silent demonstration of the need to stand up for justice in the world. A number of younger students approached to ask about the activity, and seemed inspired by the presence of the senior students giving their recess time to be present and make a point about a justice issue.
The Year 12 students wanted to raise awareness and show support for refugees in a positive way. “We hope it planted a seed to begin the understanding of a complex issue," said Matilda Williams. Bianca Mettam also hoped that students might make a connection with their demonstration and then support the refugees “when they see something in the media.”
“The care and love of humanity was evident in this silent protest,” said Head of Ministry, Mrs Bernice Roche.
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