Ut Serviamus in action

Diocesan’s new Service Learning Manager Lucette Chu (Dillon) needs little introduction - she is a

Dio Old Girl (1997-2003) and a 2017 recipient of Dio’s Women2Watch award for her humanitarian work exemplifying

Dio’s motto, Ut Serviamus – ‘in order that we may serve’.

Lucette, who previously worked in human resources at BDO Auckland and World Vision Cambodia, has worked tirelessly to serve the Vietnam-based Quan Am Foundation, which she established nine years ago to support orphaned and poverty-stricken children in Vietnam.

“It was a life-changing experience that really opened my eyes to the poverty and needs of children in Vietnam,” she says. “I was overwhelmed with grief and knew I had to do something.”

The Quan Am Foundation runs a sponsorship model to provide education to children who may otherwise be forced to quit school and work to support their families. Their projects in remote areas have included repairs to schools and establishing community gardens, as well as providing essentials such as clothing, food and medical supplies. They also built their own school, which employs five local staff. She attributes her highly-developed social conscience to the values that were instilled in her during her time at Diocesan, and she’s keen to pass that on to the students now under her care.

“Dio gave me a strong work ethic, which is a great benefit to me when juggling motherhood, part-time work and running the Foundation.”

Lucette started her new role with Diocesan at the end of January, working alongside deans and tutors to drive Dio’s Service Learning programme, which is closely aligned to the School’s values. The programme encourages students to serve their communities in practical ways and Lucette says her role is to ensure there’s a link between what the girls learn and what they can give back.

She says there’s been a sea change in the concept of service over the past decade, and she’s keen to make service activities more contemporary, relevant and meaningful.

“We’ve moved away from fundraising and are encouraging our students to give back by being present, by finding out more about charities and causes and how they can really make a difference through service.

“I’m really hoping to get the girls passionate about it.”

The Service Learning strategy this year is to maintain the ‘heads, hearts and hands’ approach while aligning each of the senior year levels with one of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, so students can relate their learning to the goals. These include good health and wellbeing, zero hunger, gender equality, affordable and clean energy, and climate action.

This is particularly relevant for Year 11 students as part of their ‘Be the Change’ curriculum, which provides the philosophy behind how you approach a service activity.

“We want students to feel like they’re global citizens, helping to drive change through service,” Lucette says. “As students become older, their activities are more peer-led than teacher-led. They’re really excited that they’ll get hands-on experience.”

“Service is global and we want our students to be global citizens.”

Lucette Chu