An invitation has been extended for a staff member from each school across the Diocese of Port Pirie to participate in the first Social Justice Outreach Experience to the village of Abaokoro in the Republic of Kiribati (pronounced Kir-ee-bas) in July 2016.
In May 2015 as part of the 125 years celebrations of the Good Sams in the diocese, Catholic Education Diocese of Port Pirie and the Sisters of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St Benedict established a partnership agreement enabling staff from diocesan schools to engage in a ‘two-way’ outreach experience in Kiribati.
Abaokoro is thedestination where the I-Kiribati Sisters of the Good Samaritan provide an Early Learning Centre for the children of Abaokoro. A small government primary school, junior secondary school and a medical clinic are located close to the Good Samaritan Early Learning Centre. The inaugural 2016 outreach program will take place over the term 2 holiday period.
Brenda Keenan, Director of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Port Pirie will be leading the Kiribati Outreach experience in July. Father Brian Mathews, Parish Priest of Coober Pedy (Inland Mission) will co-lead as chaplain of ‘Team Kiribati’.
There are many factors that compete for attention in our schools and the daily reality of school life and the energy which it calls forth from staff, some of whom experience the added challenge of working in isolation in smaller schools, is ever increasing.
The vision of this outreach experience is threefold;
Intergenerational playgroups are truly something special — an experience that enriches the lives of both the young and the older members of our community. These playgroups are more than just a space for children to play; they are a vital platform for different generations to come together, share wisdom, and build meaningful relationships.
