Schools
JRS works with schools interested in being instigators of positive change.
Schools Engagement
Working with schools is such an important and special way that we connect with the wider community. Schools can support and work with us in a number of ways:
- Engaging in the JRS Australia Schools Program where we run workshops and students hear from a speaker with lived experience of seeking asylum
- Excursion to the JRS Australia office to learn about our programs firsthand, meet the team, and join in on helping for the day
- Running a food drive for the JRS Australia Foodbank
- Fundraising for essential JRS Australia programs and services
- Downloading the JRS Action Kit to see other actions your community can take
- Participating in the JRS Youth Ambassador Program
JRS Australia Schools Program
The JRS Australia Schools Program is an engaging, educational, and eye-opening program that gives students, staff, and parents an opportunity to understand the refugee climate in Australia and globally, on a deeper level.
A key component of the program is giving students the opportunity to hear from someone with lived experience. Our speakers share about their experience, contributions, and aspirations for a more humane and compassionate Australia. Students are then invited to critically reflect on their values, their positions, and their knowledge of the issues, and are encouraged to ask questions to the speaker and a JRS Australia representative.
This program also serves as paid employment opportunities for leaders with lived experiences.
Presentations are linked to the Australian school curriculum and cover the global, regional, national and local contexts, and often lead to deep discussions about ethics, policy, and the political landscape in contemporary Australia.
Most importantly, students are able to identify ways they can actively be involved in supporting people seeking asylum, refugees, and migrants in vulnerable situations through JRS Australia, beyond the classroom.
School Program Options & Pricing
| A |
School assembly: 10 minutes Optional to have a speaker with lived experience If you’re fundraising or doing a food drive we would love to help kick it off or say thank you at the end of it! Either a JRS staff member can join or we can also bring a speaker with lived experience to share their story. |
| B |
Presentation: 50 minutes With one or two speakers with lived experience Students learn about the current global and national refugee context, hear personal stories from people who are seeking asylum in Australia, do a Q&A session with speakers, hear about the work and programs of JRS and see how to take action. |
| C |
Community Conversation: 1.5 hours With two speakers with lived experience A Community Conversation is a way for students/staff to share, learn and commit to action on issues of social justice. This program emphasises respectful dialogue and mutual sharing of personal stories around the values that are important to us. Speakers with lived experience share their stories and afterwards participants have time to process this, reflect and ask questions. The goal is to build solidarity and to find common ground in our shared values. What is needed:
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| D |
Excursion to JRS centre in Parramatta: 2-4 hours Optional to have a speaker with lived experience Join us to be part of JRS for a day! This excursion to JRS allows students and/or teachers to gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing refugees and people seeking asylum in our community while also actively helping to make a difference. The day allows for formation through participants doing activities that engage their head, heart and hands. Participants hear about the programs run firsthand from JRS staff, volunteer at the JRS foodbank and reflect on the experience. * Please note we can only take 4 participants for this program. It is only available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.* |
Please enquire about the cost for JRS Australia to speak at your school as it varies depending on the program chosen and the number of participants. A fee of $250 is added on for every speaker with lived experience which goes directly to the speaker.
It is thanks to schools and communities like yours that we are able to serve our clients. We do not want the cost to be prohibitive for any schools, if you would like to speak further about options please get in touch.
How to book a school presentation
Thank you for your interest in the JRS Australia Schools Program. To book please download the booking form and send to schools@jrs.org.au
Contact for more information on how to connect with JRS Australia
Email: schools@jrs.org.au
