More than 30 students, staff and parents of Matthew Flinders Anglican College volunteered to support the Buddies Living in Australia Program for refugees during the recent school holidays, from 16-20 September.
College Principal Michelle Carroll said Flinders was proud to provide facilities and resources, with some families opening their homes, as part of its longstanding support of the Buddies’ program.
The program enables refugees and asylum seekers to stay with volunteer Coast homestay hosts while learning English and exploring Australian culture.
Over four days, the Flinders volunteers joined 33 Buddies participants on the College campus to attend educational classes and enjoy games, music, arts and crafts, as well as visits to the Flinders Farm and a beach excursion. Two secondary students also baked treats for the morning teas.
The refugee participants were mostly from African nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Eritrea and Ethiopia, as well as from Myanmar and Syria.
Program to Provide Friendship and Support
Ms Carroll said, “It was wonderful to hear how wholeheartedly our Flinders students of all ages, along with staff and families, gave their time, and some their homes, to provide friendship and support to our refugee visitors.
“Our volunteers enjoyed the program as much as the participants, with the opportunity to learn about their cultures and language, and spend time in conversation, sharing their interests and answering questions,” Ms Carroll said.
“Thanks goes to our wonderful staff members who gave their time, care and expertise to provide the teenager participants with one-on-one learning activities.
“I was heartened to hear from Reverend Kathrin Koning about our 11 students, staff and parent volunteers with experience in water safety and surf lifesaving, who took our refugee visitors by the hand to help them enjoy their beach experience at Mooloolaba safely.
“For many of the refugees, this program was their first encounter with normal life in Australia, and many had not seen the ocean, let alone swum in the sea; a healthy, active experience we take for granted here on the Sunshine Coast.
“The Buddies program is a valuable opportunity for our students to learn compassion and become more aware citizens, as they support people in need from other cultures and learn about the challenges they face.”
Buddies Co-ordinator, Lesley Willcoxson wrote to the College to express gratitude for the facilities and encouraging involvement by staff, students and families.
Dr Willcoxson said, “On behalf of the Buddies and all the Living in Australia Program team, we thank Matthew Flinders Anglican College for the wonderful facilities and support provided to this community service during the program and in the lead up to it.
“We are also grateful to Reverend Kathrin Koning for her support and insights and the time she gave meant a great deal to the organising team.
Flinders Reverend Kathrin Koning said, “It was so heart-warming to be part of such a generous, supportive and compassionate community”.
Program Highlights at Flinders
During the program, workshops included a technology-based session for teenagers to help them navigate the platforms they will be using in schools and to support their hobbies and home life.
The younger children enjoyed playing in the Wonderarium learning centre, exploring the range of books, puzzles and games, craft and musical instruments, and also visiting the Flinders Farm to meet Farmer Jeff, with the chance to feed the animals and taste the fresh produce.
A TAFE representative attended the College campus to provide guidance to the adults on course options, and there was the opportunity to speak to a local GP about any medical issues.
Other highlights include a performance by Old Flinderian Chris Williams who shared his skill on the didgeridoo and a concert by local Sunshine Coast musician Linsey Pollack.
One evening, the group enjoyed a multicultural dinner, where all the participants and volunteers cooked typical food from their home country for a bring-and-share buffet, followed by some dancing.
The excursion day involved a visit to Mooloolaba Beach to learn about beach safety and enjoy time swimming and playing on the sand. After a fish-and-chips lunch, the participants then enjoyed an afternoon at Wildlife HQ.
Flinders is committed to its students being involved in service opportunities that active and compassionate citizens with the skills and desire to make a positive contribution in the world.
