At the end of Special Character Week, Sancta Maria College held its annual Caritas Challenge; an after-school event that encouraged students to reflect on gratitude, compassion, and the struggles faced by others around the world.
In preparation for the challenge, students fasted from food and water from 11:30am on the day of the challenge, showing solidarity alongside those who go without daily essentials. This act of sacrifice was a meaningful way to help students step outside of their daily comforts. As part of the experience, some students also took on the extra challenge of making and wearing shoes made from cardboard, symbolising what life might be like for children who live without proper footwear.
The event featured a range of fun and energetic activities like ‘Just Dance’ and relay races, bringing students together in the spirit of teamwork and excitement. While these activities created a joyful atmosphere, one challenge carried a more serious message: the hut-building activity, where students worked in teams to build shelters out of cardboard. This hands-on task symbolised the harsh realities of those who live in poverty or without secure housing, offering students a meaningful and eye-opening experience.
A standout moment of the evening was when Ms Kevern bravely shared her story about growing up in a country affected by violence. Her testimony made a deep impact on the students, reminding them that suffering and hardship are not just distant issues, they are lived realities for many people.
This progression added deeper meaning to the evening, transforming fun and physical activities into lessons in empathy, awareness, and responsibility.
Throughout the challenge, students were also encouraged to reflect on how fortunate they are to have safe homes, enough food, access to education, and a supportive environment. The fasting, physical challenges, and personal stories all helped deepen students’ understanding of global struggles and the importance of compassion and justice in their own lives.
