JRS Australia’s Schools Engagement Program is very special. Throughout the year, we provide opportunities for schools, students and teachers to take action in support of refugees and people seeking asylum in the local community. One of the best parts of this work is our partnership with the JRS Australia Refugee Leadership Program, where leaders with lived experience attend schools to share their insights and stories with students of all ages.

Last year, our Schools Engagement Coordinator Vin accompanied leader Thanush to visit our friends at St Mary’s Primary School Rydalmere. As usual, the students were curious, compassionate and active listeners, who were moved by Thanush’s story, inspired by his advocacy, and encouraged to take action in support of other people seeking asylum.

We are grateful to be able to facilitate this impactful work, supporting the next generation to learn more about the refugee landscape, and become active participants in creating a more welcoming and inclusive future for people who seek asylum in Australia and around the world.

We are thrilled to share the below letter from three incredible Year 4 students at St Mary’s – Maya, Harriet and Ben – who reflected on their experience meeting Thanush and learning about challenges faced by refugees and people seeking asylum here in Australia.

Student Reflection

On Thursday the 31st October, a representative from the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) visited our school, along with Thanush, a refugee who shared his emotional story of coming to Australia.

It was a memorable experience as we learned firsthand about his journey, the challenges he faced, and the differences between refugees and asylum seekers. Thanush explained how he had to leave Sri Lanka due to the civil war, travelling for 28 days on a small, cramped boat. He was hungry and thirsty. When he finally made it to Australia he was forced to go to Christmas Island. We were upset to hear that he was unable to contact his family for three years. It changed the way we thought about refugees because we didn’t realise they had so many struggles to be able to enter Australia.

We also learnt how JRS supports refugees and asylum seekers more than providing food through Foodbank. They help women find safe spaces, assist people in finding jobs, and continue to show incredible dedication to following in Jesus’ footsteps by helping those in need. Thanush’s story opened our eyes to the reality faced by millions of people worldwide—more than 120 million are forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights violations. It changed our perspective on refugees, showing us the struggles they endure and reminding us of the importance of compassion and support.

— Maya, Harriet, and Ben, Year 4

Get Involved

If you would like to host a refugee leader at your school, and to learn about opportunities to share refugee and human rights education with your student, please click here, or email us for more information: schools@jrs.org.au.

Ready to make a booking, please click here to read through our packaging options and fill out our booking form. We look forward to meeting you!