Students and staff members of Edmund Campion Secondary School pose for a group photo along with kids at a school in Krang, an area of Shillong city in India.
Following the theme “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” a team of Brampton’s St. Edmund Campion Secondary School recently undertook its second consecutive social justice mission in India.
The 15-member team — comprised of the school’s principal, four teachers and 10 students, including five girls — visited numerous parts of India such as the port city of Kochi, the city of Kolkata and Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya state.
“I saw these shining kids working so hard in lines with our theme to help others,” said Fatima Gomes, mission leader and teacher at St. Edmund Campion Secondary School. “I was overjoyed to see them doing all this … it was just remarkable.”
Supported by Save A Family Plan (SAFP), the two-week tour was aimed at humanitarian and social justice purposes, during which the group visited numerous sponsored families, orphanages as well as local schools.
“Every second, the experience was amazing. Spending time with kids and nuns are the most memorable memories I have ever had,” said Sommer Knight, a Grade 12 student. “These missions are very important. Not only they are life-changing, but they also inspire you to become a better person in the society.”
The students also donated school supplies and assisted local communities with several projects.
“It was a truly amazing and life-changing experience. They were so welcoming that they treat you as part of their family,” said Christina Thomas, also a Grade 12 student.
“They were very happy and grateful to our services and what we provided to them.”
The group worked with children of various age groups and help them prepare strategies to improve areas like classrooms, kitchens and bathrooms in addition to girls’ hostels.
“It was a very successful mission,” said principal Neville Mant. “Our group had the opportunity to live, learn, teach and work in solidarity with people throughout India, most especially the children.”
Source: https://www.bramptonguardian.com/community-story/4455409-campion-students-complete-social-justice-mission-in-india/