Assist a Student 2005 SUPPOR TERS’ NEWSLETTER here is no doubt in my mind, after having visited developing countries that are part of the Assist a Student program, that there is immense benefit and value being added to the lives of the beneficiaries.
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Visits to schools where beneficiaries attended revealed the depth of their gratitude. A full ceremony was afforded to myself and other St Vincent de Paul Australia representatives. However, this was not about pomp and grandeur. It represented an opportunity for the students and the wider school community to express their gratitude and impress upon their guests the value of the education they were receiving. However, it was the students' speeches that caused us to smile, shed a tear and become inspired. Here were students who clearly felt insecure and uncomfortable about speaking in front of a large group, in a foreign tongue, addressing visitors from Australia. Yet, without fail, and with determination over their faces, each and every student that was benefiting from the Assist a Student program wanted to have their chance to say 'thank you'. And that they did. Afterwards, we were taken to visit the homes of the beneficiaries. The clean and presentable uniforms that were on Assist a Student Distribution of Funds 2003-2004 During the past 12 months the program has assisted 3072 students in Asia and the Pacific. Your gifts have been distributed as follows:
show at the schools had all vanished. At times it was almost incomprehensible that these beautiful students lived in the conditions that we were met with. Homes that were barely the size of a bedroom, back home in Australia, were a common sight, with six or seven family members squeezed in. Living space was often shared with stray dogs and cats. On numerous occasions, families would remove tables and chairs just so there was enough space for us to enter the house. I had never met any of these people before, they were complete strangers to me, yet I felt an overwhelming sadness as I tried to rationalise their situation. None of our fellow human beings, our brothers and sisters, should have to live like this. After a couple of hours spent making short visits, one was left with an uncomfortable feeling. I asked one of the students how she felt about these fleeting visits from strange people who came from a world far away. I told her that if it was me, I would be resentful – what is the point of a 10 minute visit? Without hesitation, the reply came back, "I feel blessed that you and the Australians have come to my house. We are so lucky because you care." The look in her eyes told me that she genuinely meant what she said. Though far away, the fact that so many Australians care enough to contribute to the Assist a Student program means so
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Children of Payatas at home
much to the beneficiaries. They feel blessed that someone, from a completely different world, feels strongly enough to take an interest in their lives, even if just for 10 minutes. The Assist a Student program is providing tremendous benefit to the students. Whenever visits are made to developing countries we are constantly made aware that families see education as a way out of poverty. It provides hope and a reason to endure life in a situation that can at times, feel helpless. This rationale has led to an unprecendented demand on our Assist a Student program. An annual donation of $70 per student assists with education and training in one of our twinned partner countries. I want to thank you for your continued support of the program and hope that many others will be also feel compelled to take an interest in the lives of our fellow human beings. James Lee Young Australian of the Year (Victoria) 2003 Assist a Student is a program run by St Vincent de Paul Society Australia. This newsletter is produced annually. Any contributions to the newsletter are welcome and should be forwarded to: The Editor, Assist a Student PO Box 373, Summer Hills NSW 2130
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