// F O R M A T I O N & E D U C A T I O N
Dara’s Helpers BY AMY THEODORE
Throughout 2018, St Pius X High School, Adamstown, St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton, St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar and St Paul’s Catholic College, Booragul have been lending a helping hand to the DARA Van. At St Pius X, 75 Food Technology students
by preparing and cooking food throughout
(lots of milo), preparing meals, setting up
have been involved in meal preparation for
the month.
places for people to sit and eat, cleaning up
the van. With food ingredients delivered by DARA, the Year 10 students made dishes such Chicken Chasseur and Lamb Risoni to be served out to those in need. As well as being a valuable social justice activity
and providing friendly conversation.”
Technology also contributed by designing
“Volunteering for DARA’s Van is one of the
their own sweet food items, preparing and
most rewarding experiences I have had. I
supplying them to DARA’s Van.
for the students, the preparation of meals
“Upon volunteering with DARA’s Van I was
also ties in with the school’s Catering and
able to provide those less fortunate with a
Food Service curriculum. Catering for the
nutritious meal, warm beverages and was
DARA Van has given students hands-on
able to interact with other members of the
experience with food preparation and
community in a positive and caring way,’
cooking for large numbers and taught
said Samantha Claridge, a Year 12 student
them more about team work and time
at St Joseph’s.
management.
had the sense of satisfaction that I had done something to better the community.” “I became involved in DARA as a way to become part of the broader community and to better understand those struggling in my area,” said Olivia Nicolas, Year 12 student from St Francis Xavier.
“Through this volunteering program, I was
“I helped serve people refreshments
Students at St Joseph’s, Lochinvar have
able to gain an insight into other people’s
and food, as well as interacted with
been living out the mission of the Josephite
situations and learn a little more about each
individuals who I wouldn’t usually be able
Sisters to assist the impoverished and
individual by socialising and communicating
to interact with.
marginalised in society by volunteering their
with them with DARA’s Van.
services with DARA. A group of Year 11 students and 20 staff members have “rolled up their sleeves and got the job done” throughout 2018. The opportunity to help with DARA will continue to be offered to students at the college into the future. During November, Year 12 Hospitality students from St Paul’s Catholic College, Booragul also got on board to help DARA,
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Another 21 students from Year 9 Food
“The DARA Van has reinforced aspects of
“I am able to see first-hand the gratitude and
selflessness and reaffirmed the importance
smile on the people’s faces when they are
of compassion in my day to day life.
able to interact with new people and enjoy a meal together.” “When volunteering with the van we help out in a variety of ways,” said Noah Hurn, another student at St Joseph’s. “This includes making tea, coffee and milo
“My volunteering experience has taught me the importance of having an active role in my community and it has allowed me to gain insight into how other people live and the effects marginalisation can have amongst vulnerable.”