The start of December marked a special occasion for many Australian students as they embarked on Immersion to the various foreign communities supported by the Marist Brothers. The immersions are a chance for young adults to form and experience living in a Marist Community, sharing life together. While being involved in work with people living on the margins. They also provide an insight into the economic, social, spiritual and cultural aspirations of people who live simply, and to enter into partnership with them, to work for a more just and sustainable world.
Immersion students from Sacred Heart College (SHC) Adelaide arrived at St Marcellin Primary school, Suva, Fiji to assist in the upgrades and regeneration of the schools fascia. This project combined the SHC students with their Marist Champagnat Institute (MCI) buddies as they worked together to help St Marcellin Primary school complete major painting works.
MCI provides education and training for children and young people, aged 13 and above, who experience learning difficulties in mainstream school and have special needs. MCI specifically serves those young people from special schools, those with learning disabilities and those who have never been to school or who have dropped out without completing their certificate. This year, 41 students completed their studies and received vocational skills training which has equipped them with the necessary skills to enter the workforce or continue onto further studies. The MCI students appreciate the support they receive from the international community and particularly their new buddies from SHC Adelaide.
Br Kees van der Weert was on hand for the project and deemed it a huge success. Br Kees van der Weert would like to acknowledge the contribution of the Sacred Heart College Immersion Group and the effort of the students’ at Marist Champagnat Institute and wish you all the joy of Christmas and a great year in 2017.
Learn more about how you can support the students of Marist Champagnat Institute here