On Friday 1 July the Just Leadership Team at St Joseph's Tranmere presented Tippy Tap Day. A Tippy Tap is a basic wooden structure made with forked sticks, a plastic container for water, a cup with holes in the bottom, some ash for soap and a container to collect the used water.
Making a Tippy Tap for the school to use has been a long term vision of the group after attending a Caritas Australia training session day back in February! One of the activities at the training day was a small group activity which involved using the available resources given to each group, to make a Tippy Tap. The team found inspiration in how one village in Malawi improved their personal hygiene by making a village tippy tap, resulting in reduction in health problems and a drop in infant mortality rates.
The team organised 5 resource bags for each of the classes so that all students could get a turn at working in a group to make their own model of a tippy tap! Each class was supported by members of the Just Leadership team as well as other Year 7 students.
The Just Leaders made a power point which they presented at the Assembly. They outlined reasons why it was important to understand how Caritas Australia and the importance of financial assistance and also awareness raising. They shared a Caritas Australia video which showed the Milawi villagers making their own Tippy Tap.
The team made a big Tippy Tap which was then used by students for hand washing. It became the focus for the Prayer table at Assembly. Afterwards it was shifted to an area next to the toilets and students took great delight in using it! It is now in the Library where its presence will continue to support students in their thinking about communities other than their own.
The team are an inspiration! They are intent on helping the school community understand the importance of the work of Caritas Australia, including Project Compassion. They highlight the significance of Laudato Si and Pope Francis’ call to care for the poor. Their enthusiasm and good cheer has been wonderful to experience!
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.
