When World Vision Australia surveyed students who did the 40 Hour Famine last year, 85% said learning about and addressing poverty was their top priority, alongside famine and hunger and almost 80%.
Encouragingly, up to 70% said they wanted to prioritise issues facing First Nations people in their learnings, alongside 60% saying climate change, education and refugees mattered most to them.
For schools, surveys like this present a very powerful opportunity to make change where it counts. With a generation standing ready to be a force for positive change in the world, educating them about the ‘how’ can create powerful ripples that extend not just into their immediate communities, but globally.
World Vision Community and Youth Manager Zana Bowen said the organisation’s programs are a valuable resource for schools across Australia looking to bring humanitarian issues to light.
“World Vision’s work in schools connects young people with the important work we do worldwide - whether it’s child sponsorship, the 40 Hour Famine, our work with First Nations communities in Australia, or our regreening projects and climate work,” Bowen told The Educator.
“We’re able to help teachers engage with students on humanitarian issues and we bring them to life in the classroom so they can engage with them in a tangible way.”
Bowen said helping others is one of the best ways for young people to feel connected and engaged in the world.
“World Vision support children in schools to feel as though they’re making a difference in the world by connecting them with our programs on hunger, poverty and climate,” she said.
“We recently took students to Cambodia to see first-hand the work they have supported through the 40HR Famine. They were able to see in real time how the money they’ve donated has helped children facing poverty and hunger.”
When asked how World Vision Australia works with senior school leaders to ensure its programs are having a positive and measurable impact, Bowen said
“Student leaders are ambassadors of our work in schools who are leading the programs that make a real difference for children who receive the funding, like through the 40 Hour Famine campaign,” she said.
“We run leadership sessions that set school leaders up to lead other students and run successful programs in their schools.”
Bowen said schools that partner with World Vision Australia have access to high-quality learning resources and support that can enhance educational experiences.
“We’re offering interactive and enriching learning experiences that inspire students on topics that matter to them and that support their personal growth.”