The Mount Saint Patrick College in Murwillumbah held an assembly of 850 students, teaching staff and members of the Uki Refugee Project to officially open their new sports house called Romero House – in honour of Saint Romero.
A Uki Refugee Project, spokesperson Mandy Hibbs, said Wellbeing teacher at the school, Blake Reynolds, spoke about Saint Romero, a catholic archbishop in El Salvador who was a passionate advocate for speaking up against social injustice, poverty and violence.
Romero fiercely defended the human rights
According to Mr Reynolds, Saint Romero fiercely defended the human rights of the most vulnerable and downtrodden. Human dignity underpinned all his teachings.
Ms Hibbs said Mr Reynolds reminded the student assembly that Saint Romero’s teachings are still relevant today and emphasised the importance of speaking out against social injustice, whether it is in the playground orin the wider community. ‘In keeping with the faith of Saint Romero, Mr Reynolds and the students of Romero House are keen to help a local group called the Uki Refugee Project.
‘Two asylum seekers from the Romero centre in Brisbane bravely spoke at the school assembly about their experience as asylum seekers. Both had fled violent situations and expressed their gratitude to be safely sheltered in Australia.
Address moved many to tears
‘It was an emotional address and many people were moved to tears,’ said Ms Hibbs.
The Uki Refugee Project was formed 10 years ago and undertakes a variety of projects in an endeavour to help the plight of asylum seekers and refugees here in Australia and overseas. These are people who have fled their homelands because of violence and / or political persecution.
The Uki Refugee Project arranges Friendship weekends twice a year; local people open their homes and hearts to refugees from the Brisbane Romero Centre. Often thirty to forty refugees come and spend the weekend. A variety of activities are arranged; meals and music shared and friendships formed.
The Uki Refugee Project strongly advocates for human rights by lobbying our government and governments around the world to develop policies that support the fundamental right for every human being to live a life free from fear, harassment or discrimination.
An offer of help
‘The Uki Refugee Project fund raises and helps refugees in resettlement and is grateful to Blake Reynolds and the students of Romero House, Mount Saint Patrick College, in offering to help promote social justice and human dignity for all people around the world.
‘The Uki Refugee Project is excited about partnering with the school, especially with the up-and-ccoming generation because they are the voice for the future.
‘As Saint Romero said: “Peace is not the product of terror or fear. Peace is not the silence of cemetaries. Peace is not the result of violent repression. Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all”.’
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