A GROUP of senior students from St Mary's Christian Brothers’ Grammar School are preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime journey to South Africa where they will work alongside disadvantaged and marginalised communities as part of the school's ongoing commitment to social justice and service.
A group of Year 13 and Year 14 students, along with two staff members will travel to South Africa in October to participate in an immersion programme focused on supporting local community projects and learning first-hand about the challenges faced by some of the country's most vulnerable people.
The group will partnership with R City and their established ‘Belfast to Blanco’ project.
R-City have been delivering an enrichment curriculum within the school for the past two years and have also taken the immersion group through a comprehensive preparation programme ahead of their trip.
Amanda Barr, Vice Principal, is travelling with the group and praised the impact of R City within the school.
“Our partnership with R City has exceeded our expectations," she said.
"They are a pleasure to work with and are firm advocates for equipping young people with valuable skills and opportunities. They share our ambition to see young people succeed and the energy and enthusiasm they bring to the school is infectious.
"One year ago, we were having tentative conversations about an immersion trip and here we are making final preparations for travel – there’s a tangible sense of excitement within the group.”
As an Edmund Rice school, St Mary's has a long tradition of promoting social justice, compassion and advocacy. The upcoming South Africa trip continues this mission, providing the students with a unique opportunity to become ambassadors for positive change while developing a deeper understanding of global inequality and human dignity.
Sean Moyes, who will also accompany the students, described the trip as "an opportunity of a lifetime" for the young men involved.
"These pupils will have the opportunity to work alongside communities facing significant social and economic challenges, while building meaningful relationships and gaining experiences that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
"We extend a huge thanks to everyone who has supported them in their fundraising efforts – family, friends, our school community and local businesses have really got behind them. We believe the trip will inspire them to become lifelong advocates for justice, equality and service."
Importantly, the pupils have committed to funding their own travel and accommodation costs, ensuring that all proceeds raised through fundraising activities will go directly towards supporting projects and communities in South Africa.
The group is currently in the final stages of fundraising and appeal to local businesses, organisations and members of the community to support their initiative. They are also appealing for donations of hurls, sliotars, preloved sports gear (football and GAA kits) and newborn and baby clothes.
Members of the public and businesses interested in supporting the South Africa immersion programme can contact Sean Moyes at St Mary's Grammar School on 028 9029 4000 for further information.
