Our College Statement highlights Catholic Social Teachings, through the ongoing commitment of our Year 8 cohort we can bring these essential ideas together. This long-term involvement with educating the poor and marginalised aligns with the building of “Human Dignity” through the empowerment and “Stewardship of Creation” recognising that we are all created in the image of God. It teaches our young people through “Solidarity” the ways in which we can stand together and give someone on another continent the wherewithal to make life decisions through the gift of education, “Subsidiarity.” Together we are showing our care for “Community and the Common Good” with in the global village.

We have made a difference and continue to do so. Lachlan Miller founder of the NGO YES Arusha has continued the personal link he made with the College Community a decade ago. In a recent visit he spoke with students ranging from Year 2 to Year 11. See his thoughts below on a legacy left by the Year 8 class of 2011. This legacy has been nurtured and continued through the hard work and dedication of Year 8 classes and their teachers. Over the years the fundraising techniques have evolved and this year is no exception. From humble begins as a pop-up market and car wash our end of year celebration has become the Christmas Carols.

You may be impressed with achievement of our Year 8’s in the story below.

“In 2011, the Year 8 cohort of OLSCC heard the story of Kelvin and Baraka, two young boys in Tanzania who were living in extreme poverty and had no access to education. This group of Dalby students set themselves a task of raising enough money to fund Kelvin and Baraka’s education. Their fundraising efforts were a huge success, and they would inspire consecutive Year 8 classes to do the same. Not only did they fund Kelvin and Baraka’s education, but they were able to fund them to board as well.

With the help of the OLSCC students, Kelvin and Baraka joined Haradali Primary School, a high-quality independent boarding school in Arusha, Tanzania. Kelvin was seven years old at the time and settled easily into school, but Baraka was 10 years old and found it challenging to be in Prep class with kids half his age. But they both showed an amazing motivation and drive to learn. They were eventually allowed to skip grades and catch up with their peers, from Grade 1 to Grade 3, then Grade 5 to Grade 7. It was Kelvin who had the natural academic knack, but Baraka refused to let his little brother move ahead of him.

Today, Kelvin and Baraka are in Form 4 (the equivalent of Year 10), and they are 16 and 19 years old respectively. They’ve grown into mature and intelligent young men with optimistic plans for their lives after school. Kelvin hopes to work in International Business, while Baraka plans to work in the Tourism sector ­– both admirable pursuits that would not have been possible without this education.

The OLSCC student community continues to support Kelvin and Baraka and keeps up to date on their incredible journey. “

If you would like to help the Year 8’s continue this wonderful legacy, please make a donation towards Kelvin and Baraka’s continuing education. We will be raising funds at the Christmas Carols.

Steve Gillespie