‘Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.’ – Augustine of Hippo
I love this quote as it reminds me of how important it is that our children are educated about social justice issues, what it means to want to make a difference and ways we can go about creating change in our world, righting wrongs and balancing inequalities. In classes, we have come up with the definition of ‘social justice’ being fairness for all people, and we have together examined the many areas of life where this is not the case. Whether we look at our world and the inequalities surrounding the sharing of resources, or closer to home with those in our city experiencing homelessness, we realise that for many, there is a lack of fairness. And add to those situations the economic, health outcomes and mental health impacts of the pandemic on those in our world who are already facing a lack of hope.
Like a lot of Melbournians, the last few weeks have left me feeling flat and in despair. I came across a poet, a Melbourne-based man and found encouragement in his wise words about our need to cling to hope during these times – both with anger about injustice in our world and with courage to do what we can to make a difference to ensure this world is a better fairer place for all humankind.
Janine de Paiva
Junior School Chaplain
