2019 World Mission Schools Resources

Pope Francis has chosen the theme 'Baptised and Sent: The Church of Christ on Mission in the World'. The Extraordinary Missionary Month is an invitation for all to join in and do something extraordinary for mission.

This year, students across Australia are invited to learn how the Church is working to serve children from disadvantaged areas, broken families and other situations of need in the remote mountainous state of Nagaland, north-eastern India.

Due to its remoteness, many people in the villages throughout Nagaland do not have access to basic needs such as electricity and running water, let alone education and varied career opportunities. Generations past have relied on subsistence farming and local trade to support themselves and their families, however this does not allow for children to dream big and determine their own future.

Thankfully, the Eden Gardens Children’s Home in Khuzama is giving children the opportunity to break that cycle and achieve their goals. Through the home, 250 children aged six to eighteen currently have access to education and a safe place to live, which fulfils their physical and spiritual needs.

Run by Father Raymond and Father Rajesh, the home prepares the children for their future, encouraging them to follow their dreams, which may lead them on a different path to traditional subsistence farming. As Father Rajesh says, “We are just trying to give direction to their dreams ... that is the main aim”.

Over the next few months, more information and resources will become available, however we encourage you to contact your local Catholic Mission Diocesan Director should you wish to learn more now.

Another example of the crucial work supported by Catholic Mission around the world is the Nazareth Home for God’s Children in Ghana. The teacher and student worksheets this year showcase the work of Sister Stan at the Nazareth Home, and encourage students to learn about global mission.

Fundraise

Use some of the ideas below or come up with your own special event to raise funds and awareness for those in need around the world.

Fundraising ideas

• Host a ‘Rock your socks off’ dance party, either during a lunch break, or maybe an after-school disco fundraiser with a gold coin contribution.
• Hold a ‘Walk in someone else’s shoes’ day and bring in clothes to donate to a charity, share the clothes with classmates and wear something that is not your own for the day.
• Hold a ‘Tech-free’ day and research education around the world using books and storytelling (ask parents, grandparents, teachers, aunts etc.). Make a children’s book and sell these.
• Hold a Movie day, with a movie that focuses on issues such as supporting vulnerable children, and ask for donations.
• Hold a Trivia event, find out as much as you can about India and make up questions for children to answer. You can sell tickets to raise money.

Action and Education Ideas

• Put on a sock puppet show, with a focus on a story from the Bible or an issue of social justice.
• Run a liturgy or Mass.
• Socks need to be washed—create a Prayer Line at your school (a portable clothes line showing socks with prayer points and other spiritual enrichment).
• Coordinate all the students and staff at your school to take off their shoes and socks at exactly the same time on a nominated day. Our vision is that for a suitable time span, students will bare their feet and their heart as a simple gesture to show solidarity for those hundreds of thousands of children who go barefoot to school every day.
• This activity is suggested for the 31st October (or nearest school day) to mark World Mission Month in October. The idea is to introduce your students to a piece of literature that offers a powerful message about mission, social justice, or making a difference, which all students in all classes in the school read and study at the same time.

Please contact your local Catholic Mission Diocesan Director or phone 1800 257 296 should you need any extra information or resources, and to inform us of your fundraising activities. Your Catholic Mission Diocesan Director will also be able to provide suggestions for making your fundraising more effective in your school.