Year Ten students have regularly volunteered at the Taree Community Kitchen for nearly a decade, and the program has no plans to slow down.
Not only are students learning about the world around them, but volunteering also provides an opportunity to assist with food preparation, serve meals, and learn about the lived experiences of people in their local area.
The link between St Clare’s and the Taree Community Kitchen has been fostered by Mrs Denise Ryan (previous Ministry Coordinator) and Mrs Carol Healey (ex-teacher and volunteer), who wanted to find a practical way to teach students the Catholic values of compassion, love and hospitality.
The success of over a decade of student volunteering in the Community Kitchen is attributed to the passionate St Clare’s staff who have been involved in running the program.
Tanille Gardner, School Leader of Learning - Religious Education, says this initiative embodies the school's vision of helping others.
“The students' commitment to helping those who need it strengthens their faith and fosters a sense of unity and purpose within the community,” said Tanille.
“Volunteering is a practical way to teach our students the Catholic values of compassion, love and hospitality.”
Community Kitchen volunteer Carol Healy says their time at the Kitchen has been a positive eye-opener for many students.
“The experience is a bit of reality check as not everyone locally is as lucky as they may be, having a roof over their heads and enough food and clothes to live a comfortable life,” said Carol.
The people they support at the Community Kitchen come from all walks of life, and Tanille says this has been quite a shock for participants.
“Volunteering has changed their perception of people who need help. Some of the young people were quick to assume it was those experiencing homelessness or who didn’t work. However, they have met individuals who are having chemo and can’t cook; others are struggling to pay their bills but have a job and home. The experience has certainly been valuable in breaking down stereotypes,” she said.
Meg Norling, Volunteer Coordinator at CatholicCare, says the student's role in the kitchen is invaluable for both them and those who visit.
“Our friends who come for a meal love having the students there. I think they get quite touched by their help. It makes them feel like everybody cares, and they build connections with young people, which is lovely. The students bring such a positive energy to the place.”
Meg says that on arrival, many young people exclaim they do not know how to wash up, sweep the floor, or cook a meal. However, by the day's end, they are feeling accomplished.
“It has been wonderful to witness students leaving with a sense of pride about what they have learned and achieved. Some have shared, ‘I am really proud of myself.’ That's lovely for those kids to value their contribution as much as we do,” she said.
Student Mohammad Nooruddin says he was surprised by how many people in the Taree community needed help.
“It was a real eye-opening experience and a chance to learn first-hand about the social justice issues we discuss in class and truly understand what is happening in our community. I was surprised by how many meals they serve daily,” said Mohammad.
Tanille says while students may only participate in this program for a short time while attending St Clare’s, the skills and awareness this type of service brings to each individual lasts a lifetime.
“I love seeing my students evolve through this opportunity. They learn more about themselves, but it also teaches them that we should be doing something about the problems we see, not just recognising them. We can all learn something from that.”
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