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'The primary problem is not the birth place of the poor but the lifestyles of the rich.'
Pope Francis.

Recently a team of teachers from seven Catholic schools across the Diocese of Port Pirie ventured to  Abaokoro, Kiribati.

Kiribati, is an island republic in the Central Pacific, comprising of 33 coral atolls and isles stretching along the equator.

The group spent 10 days in April immersing themselves in the local lifestyle and culture.  Much of their time was spent in the company of the Good Samaritan sisters and pre-novices at Abaokoro on North Tarawa, Kiribati.  Participants spent time visiting the Early Learning Centre (which is run by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan), the local Primary School, and Immaculate Heart College (run by the OLSH sisters).

The experience provides opportunities for teachers/staff to:

• connect with, and be moved by, the human face of global inequality and injustice
• deepen their understanding of Catholic identity and the mission of our Catholic schools.
• develop a greater understanding and awareness of Integral Ecology and Catholic Social Teaching
• draw on their energy and passion, in order to activate or support and strengthen student and staff social justice and/or ecological activities
• develop supportive and collegial networks across the Diocese
• honour the partnership and commitment made between the Diocese of Port Pirie and the Sisters of the Good Samaritan.

Here’s what some of the participants had to say:

“This trip opened my heart and mind to many new experiences of which I would like to advocate for in our schools and broader community.  I have a new found urge to make all in my path aware of the importance to love the land we have been given …" 

“We have begun the term with theme ' an attitude of gratitude' stemming from the Kiribati experience which has been great.  It is truly the simple things in life that matter. Every day share and express the gratitude for the privileges we have, big and small.”

“Returning from Kiribati, I have been called to highlight that climate change is everyone’s responsibility. The climate is a ‘common good’, and the decisions and actions we make in Australia have adverse effects far beyond our shores, as highlighted in Kiribati.”

“It was such an inspirational experience to visit Kiribati - a country filled with joyous, generous people who live a simple life. I am enjoying sharing my experience with my school and loved ones - helping us to be more grateful and remember that as long as we are thinking about those in need there is still hope.”

“Kiribati is three hours above the Fiji Islands, which are seven hours from Melbourne.  Indeed, I was reminded that I am but a micro-cell on a pin-prick, yet it was here that I felt fully present and called to wholeness.  Perhaps it’s the removal of worldly distractions, the pace of community life, or the loving openness of the E-Kiribati people whose 1000 watt smiles light up any heart.  Movements relax into the flow of water, tasks are purposeful for daily living, and during the afternoon ‘doldrums hours’, the body is called to rest.“

To find out more about the Kiribati Social Justice Experience contact Helen McKeough at Helen.McKeough@cesa.catholic.edu.au