A key component of the Carey journey is to build a deeper understanding of the human spirit and participate in experiences that explore opportunities that help students to grow as a whole person. Many of our integrated and immersive experiences are designed around developing compassionate, courageous young people who recognise their responsibility to contribute to the lives of others. Through acts of service, meaningful relationships and authentic learning experiences, we encourage our students to look beyond themselves and discover the impact they can have on their communities, both locally and globally.
During the holidays, my family had the privilege of travelling to South Africa and Eswatini, where we spent time working alongside Possible Dreams International (PDI), an organisation founded by 2012 Carey Medallist and Carey alum Maithri Goonetilleke (1997). Together with the incredible local Swati team, we helped distribute essential emergency care items to families living in remote communities, including blankets, sanitary packs, mattresses, meal packs, solar lights and baby formula. These simple resources provided comfort, dignity and hope to families experiencing extreme poverty.
We also supported students with school fees, uniforms and learning supplies as education is a critical protective factor for young people, especially young women, and provides opportunities families to improve their future outcomes.
It was an experience that profoundly humbled us. We witnessed extraordinary resilience, generosity and joy in communities that had so little materially, yet gave so much through kindness, gratitude and unwavering hope. It was a powerful reminder that genuine human connection and compassion have the capacity to transform lives, not only for those receiving support, but also for those privileged enough to serve alongside them.
Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody capture this beautifully in From Little Things Big Things Grow. Lasting change often begins with small, thoughtful acts that inspire something much greater. This belief sits at the heart of the Carey community. We strive to foster a culture where students understand that leadership is expressed through empathy, service and a willingness to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
This semester, our Year 9 students will put these values into action through the C Change Community Projects. Stepping beyond the classroom and into the community, students will take part in a range of meaningful projects that empower them to make a genuine difference. As they engage with these experiences, they will not only develop leadership, empathy and a deeper sense of purpose, but also discover that meaningful change begins when we choose to care for others.
Students will have the opportunity to:
- help make dreams possible by partnering remotely with the PDI Eswatini team to create lasting impact through meaningful collaboration that extends well beyond fundraising
- become advocates for change by creating powerful social action campaigns through Videos for Change, raising awareness of issues that matter to them and inspiring others to take action
- find their voice by producing the Carey Connects podcast, connecting with alumni and the wider Carey community to share inspiring stories, ideas and experiences
- build connections with people experiencing homelessness through meaningful engagement with Servants Community Housing, learning firsthand about compassion, dignity and community support
- bring joy and companionship to older adults by spending time with aged care residents, sharing conversations, stories and experiences that build genuine intergenerational connections
- inspire our youngest learners by working with Junior School students to create picture storybooks that explore issues they care about, empowering younger voices through creativity and storytelling.
These projects are designed to help students discover that positive change begins with small actions, meaningful relationships and the courage to make a difference. We look forward to seeing the impact they create within our community and beyond.
If you would like to find out more about how you may like to support PDI, please visit their website. We are continually looking for ways that we can support organisations that are making a difference in the world, particular those founded by Carey alumni and community members.
Sally Nelson
Head of Integrated and Immersive Learning
