Harambee Impact Report 2020

HARAMBEE

Impact Report 2020 All together we make a difference

Harambee would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.

Trinity Grammar School stands on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Agents of Change Harambee was established in 2015 to consolidate and grow Trinity’s outreach and community service programs. Harambee means ‘all together’ in Swahili, but has been adopted across East Africa to mean any activity where the community comes together to help itself.

We work with non-profit organisations to invest in community and educational development on a local, national and international level. Harambee’s purpose is to support Trinity’s mission to grow young men empowered to contribute to the global community with courage, humility and integrity. Everything we do is uniquely designed to offer our boys social, emotional and worldly life experience while serving others.

Harambee is a student-led program, providing a long-term framework for engaging and supporting communities in need. We facilitate opportunities for Trinity students to safely explore, engage and find their place in the world.

While important, fundraising is just one part of Harambee. The program is inexplicably embroidered to Trinity’s cultural fabric, empowering boys to make the most of their distinctive Trinity journey.

Harambee provides a gateway to an exhaustible variety of experiences. Whether connecting with Elders during a Northern Territory immersion, or meeting with Harambee-supported AIDs survivors in Kenya, or anything in between, Harambee empowers students to belong to a collective effort to serve others, making friendships and memories that will never be forgotten along the way.

Community Initiatives

Programs

Location Philippines

International

Friends of Harambee

Impact Partners  Vineyard Missions  Binyan 5A National High

Immersions Philippines (Trinity Grammar Students)

 HopeBuilders International  Home of Hope

Uganda

Harambee Dinner

 Village of Hope  Hope Community High School

Uganda and Rwanda (Trinity Grammar Students)

 Youth Support Uganda

BBQs, Chapel & House

Child & Community Sponsorships

Harambee

Kenya

Indigenous

 Harambee Vocation Centre  Education for Life

Uganda and Kenya (Old Trinity Grammarians)

Gunbalanya, NT

 Dadirri  Grow Hope Foundation  Oenpelli Community School

OTG Networks

Arabunna, SA One Arm Point, WA

 Good Grub, Kew

Local

(Year 9 & 10 Students)

(Trinity Grammar Students)

 African Homework Club,

Collingwood

(Years 9-12 Students)

 You Matter

Other

 UN Walk for Women  White Ribbon Australia  Run for the Kids & Pied Pipers

Appeal

 CanTeen & World’s Greatest

Shave

 Mito Foundation

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From the Harambee Leadership Team We live in a world riven, sadly, by poverty and inequality. But there is a genuine light at the end of the tunnel, towards which the world moves closer every day. The only way that light gets brighter though, is when caring, conscientious people generate change that can mean the margin between a life of deprivation and a life of empowerment for someone in need.

This year, the Harambee team has worked tirelessly and persistently to bring about that change, and it has been a truly remarkable journey to be a part of. Whether strategizing in the Tudor Centre or collaborating over Microsoft Teams, everyone has been resolute in their determination to continue running impactful programs and making a real difference, with our keen focus remaining on the people and causes we partner with.

Our ministries are of course the core of Harambee, however, I am also proud of the work completed behind the scenes, alongside staff and students, to establish a clear strategic direction for the program moving forward. This saw us widen the scope of our activities through cultivating partnerships with new causes, increasing engagement with the school community around us, and expanding our communications platforms. This work, in addition to a myriad of other projects, has resulted in a stronger, better-positioned Harambee ecosystem and a more cohesive team. Best of luck to Archie Shaw and Matt Clayton, next year’s Captains, as they carry on this work with fresh leadership.

As we close another chapter in the story of Harambee, we of course look forward to 2021, which promises to be another year of continued growth for the program. I know, however, that 2020 will always hold a special place in the hearts of many on the Harambee team.

Nick Molnar Captain of Faith & Outreach

Throughout my life I have been blessed with many opportunities, but none more so than leading the Trinity community as Director of Outreach. The position has been a daily source of challenge and inspiration in my life. This year has been especially difficult with the impact of COVID-19 on our world.

During the pandemic, we have been continually reminded to look beyond our own privileged backyard and help others wherever there is the need.

There are many people who work to ensure that our Harambee programs remain the heartbeat of the Trinity community, sending our students out into the world as men for others. Thank you to Adrian Farrer and the school’s leadership team for their ongoing commitment and passion for outreach. The many students on the Harambee team, led by Nick Molnar this year, truly are a constant source of inspiration for me. The fact that Harambee is student-led creates a passion and energy that makes everything else possible. Thank you to Richard Palmer and the Friends of Harambee committee, who have provided constant support and guidance for our programs. And finally, thank you to all parents, students, colleagues and Old Trinity Grammarians who generously give to our Harambee programs, enabling others to stand on their own two feet.

Tom Purcell Director of Outreach 4  Haramb e e Impac t Rep or t 2020

From the Principal One of the great privileges of working in a school, and at Trinity in particular, is that looking after others is a core part of our daily operation. Good schools are places of goodwill, good intent and good outcomes. This is usually because the students are keen to do good in the world. And that is usually because the school’s adults consider it an important part of the fabric of the school.

Being new to Trinity this year, I suppose that I have had a privileged seat and been able to witness the good work of Trinity first-hand. It might have been a year to lie fallow – to accept that it was too hard to reach out to help others in a locked down world – but that was not the case. Far from it. Instead, our Harambee team deftly reshaped their activities and methodology as you will read about in this Impact Report, without diluting its intent. That speaks of a very strong culture of service and one unlikely to be diminished whatever the circumstance.

There is an impressive staff and student collaboration at Trinity that is very effective. This year, Nick Molnar and Mr Purcell have led together, ensuring students and staff alike are on the journey in sync. It has ensured that there has been a common purpose, clearly articulated, that has driven the leadership of our programming. With his economist hat on, Mr Purcell might like to think that there is a “trickle down” effect on the rest of the community too!

Serving others sits at the heart of a Trinity education and it is extremely visible through the work of Harambee. I look forward to next year and the hope of a less challenging environment in which our students and staff can continue to make doing good in the world part of the TGS way.

Adrian Farrer Principal

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Asante Sana Harambee thanks the many boys who have been involved in our programs throughout the year.

Whether assisting with the organisation and execution of events and initiatives or giving up your time to attend Friday morning meetings, thank you for your outstanding contribution. We are grateful for your commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need and for the energy and dedication you give to Harambee.

Thank you to those in the wider school community – families, friends, Old Trinity Grammarians and staff – without whom Harambee would not be able to undertake the vital work and provide the incredible opportunities it does. It is only through the support, dedication and generosity of our community that Harambee has grown into the movement it has become.

Special thanks to...

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Oscar Howard, Nick Fallaw, Anton Ruiz-Pedley, Archie Shaw, Paul Lindsay, Mason Sweeny and Ben Rosenberg, for their indispensable hard work and skilled management of different projects throughout the year

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Jack Stewart, George Belcher, Henry Brown, Wesley Li and Dan Moshopoulos, the School Captains, for their immeasurable leadership and commitment

•

Mr Chris Amiconi, Mr Rohan Brown and The Rev’d Matt Campbell, for their continuous enthusiasm for Harambee’s programs and willingness to assist

•

Mr Nathan Newcastle and Mr Tyrone Bean, who lead our Indigenous programs with passion and empathy, and provide invaluable help to Trinity’s Indigenous students

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Mr Adrian Farrer and Mr Mark Glover, for their consistent support and strategic guidance

•

The Friends of Harambee committee, chaired by Richard Palmer, for their generosity in time and eagerness to rally parents and OTGs behind our causes

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Mrs Lee Newcombe and Mr Felix Lam, for their collaboration on multiple communications projects throughout the year and their creativity, patience and attention to detail

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2020 by the Numbers Impact Partner HopeBuilders International (Uganda) Harambee Vocation Centre (Kenya) INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS Vineyard Missions (Philippines) United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women INDIGENOUS PROGRAMS Gunbalanya (Oenpelli) Africa Homework Club LOCAL PROGRAMS Boroondara Community Outreach (Good Grub) Victorian Bushfire Appeal TRINITY BUSHFIRE APPEAL Wildlife Victoria

Total Distributed $21,700 $7,500 $6,234 $850

$4,364 $1,000 $300 $40,000 $20,000

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From Dawn to Dusk In the wake of catastrophic bushfires across Australia, it was truly heartbreaking to see the devastating and tragic loss of life and property. The Trinity community, however, was united in its resolve to support the relief efforts. Born out of our willingness to lift up those in need, the school’s bushfire appeal took the form of a twelve-hour event, at which boys from across the Junior and Senior Schools, parents, Old Trinity Grammarians, Ruyton students and other members of the community endeavoured to keep treadmills, exercise bikes and rowing machines in motion for the entire duration.

Despite the $40,000 raised for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal and $20,000 for Wildlife Victoria, ‘the overwhelming highlight was seeing the entire Trinity community band together in support of a worthy cause’, in the words of School Captain, Jack Stewart. ‘To run, ride and row for twelve consecutive hours is a testament to what the Green and Gold stands for.’

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Walking on the Margins And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Matthew 22:39

Good Grub As a school community, we hold a commitment to lifting up those on the margins of society. Amid the crisis our world faced in 2020, the vulnerable people at Good Grub – who suffer from serious mental health problems – were hit harder than most. This prompted Harambee to put the call out in April for donations of fresh fruit, vegetables and non-perishables to our Good Grub neighbours. Within only a few weeks, Trinity families supplied thousands of groceries, which went on to support nearly 200 households in the Good Grub community.

Africa Homework Club After a very active Term 1 supporting the Homework Club on Friday afternoons in Collingwood, it was disappointing to have to put our visits on pause in the wake of the rapidly changing landscape with COVID-19. Later in the year, however, we persevered to continue providing this greatly appreciated tutoring to the children of Melbourne’s refugee families. After donating some of Trinity’s old computers, the Harambee boys were able to connect with these primary school-aged students over Zoom, from where we were able to keep up the friendly interactions and invaluable assistance that fuel this program. To ensure Homework Club’s continued success in 2021, we were able to raise $1,000 during our Term 3 raffle fundraisers.

Letters Against Iso Upon invitation in August, Trinity joined a coalition of Melbourne schools aiming to bridge the gap between young people and the elderly whilst supporting the latter during COVID-imbued isolation. With the younger Harambee boys leading the charge, numerous students from across Years 7, 8 and 9 took up the mantle and began handwriting letters each week to a number of aged care homes.

Ultimately, 103 letters made their way to aged care residents in Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia, as well as further abroad to London in the United Kingdom. The feedback received from the homes was gratifying, with the boys’ heartfelt messages bringing smiles to the faces of countless recipients.

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Courage, Care, Respect, Culture Dadirri This year, our Dadirri program, driven by our Indigenous students and Harambee team, worked on several important and fulfilling initiatives. With the coronavirus lockdown in Melbourne, a number of our students who live in the Northern Territory returned home during the online learning period. These students deserve genuine praise for their resilience and determination, especially given the hour and a half time difference! It was extremely heartwarming to receive pictures of barramundi fishing trips and stories of Northern Territory life throughout the course of the year.

In May, we welcomed Uncle Bill Nicholson from the Wurundjeri Land Council, who provided us with a Welcome to Country for our National Reconciliation Week celebrations. Boomerang throwing, Dreamtime stories and an address from journalist Stan Grant were among the highlights of this important week that continues to grow within the Trinity community. NAIDOC Week was also celebrated in the library with displays and presentations that were led by our library staff. Next year, artwork from Lorraine Kabbindi White will become a permanent feature in The Drum at the bottom of the Tudor Centre. If you get the chance to come into Trinity in 2021, it will be worth a visit.

Although the lockdowns and restrictions have delayed many of our initiatives this year, our connection with the Gunbalanya community remains strong. We look forward to the borders opening in the near future so that the Trinity community can head back to West Arnhem Land to see our friends again.

Nathan Newcastle & Tyrone Bean Indigenous Program Co-ordinators

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National Reconciliation Week Running from 27 May to 3 June, National Reconciliation Week was a time for all Australians to learn about our shared history, culture and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This year, Trinity took National Reconciliation Week to new heights, with a series of moving and insightful livestream events upon our return to school in the latter half of Term 2. The Week opened with the annual Truth and Reconciliation Breakfast, the highlight of which was an informative panel discussion on Indigenous education between Shelley Ware (presenter of the ground-breaking SBS football show, Marngrook), Douglas Briggs (Policy and Advocacy Officer for the Koorie Youth Council), and Trinity’s own Mr Tyrone Bean. The Breakfast also featured an entertaining video recorded by Trinity’s Indigenous boys living in the Northern Territory, as well as a stirring Acknowledgement of Country from Year 8 student, James Arnall.

The following morning, amid frosty conditions, was the Senior School’s Reconciliation Assembly.

Uniquely, the Assembly was filmed outdoors and livestreamed to classrooms. Prior to its commencement, boys were invited to participate in a Smoking Ceremony conducted by local Wurundjeri elder, Uncle Bill Nicholson. Trinity was extraordinarily lucky to have Stan Grant, a bestselling author, award-winning journalist and Wiradjuri man, join us via video link from Sydney. Stan’s speech was an eye-opening one and his message of unity and hope resonated deeply with all who watched.

The Week concluded with a more light-hearted, yet no less important, lunchtime activity in the form of a House Boomerang Throwing Competition. Though there was no definitive winner, the House Captains and Heads of House were gracious in heading out to the oval to try something most had not done before, and there were some memorable throws from all teams. Our utmost gratitude goes to all those involved in making the Week a successful and educational one, particularly Mr Luke Dixon, Mr Ben Ryder and the students involved in organising and producing the livestreams.

Amidst these vividly powerful events, Harambee held a fundraising appeal to support the Grow Hope Foundation’s life-changing work in Gunbalanya, Northern Territory. Over the course of National Reconciliation Week, the generous response of the Trinity community provided nearly $3,500 to fund the development of a radio broadcasting service to provide in-language teaching and learning programs, in addition to transitional programs that allow Gunbalanya students to stay in Darwin, where they can participate in life skills programs and vocational studies not accessible in remote communities.

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Beyond the Horizon Adapting our international programs This year presented many opportunities to rethink how we support our outreach programs, particularly our international ministries in East Africa. Although we faced challenges going about our daily lives and schooling here in Melbourne, we knew these challenges were markedly exacerbated in some of the under-developed and impoverished communities we walk with overseas.

‘Following many months without face-to-face interaction with our international programs and those who rely upon them, we were quick to throw our support behind two events, setting about considering the best way in which funds could be raised in this trying time, and it was here that the online raffle concept was initiated,’ wrote Year 11 and Harambee stalwart, Nick Fallaw in our Term 3 newsletter.

With an impressive line-up of prizes generously donated by sporting teams, students, parents and Old Trinity Grammarians, the Harambee team went about organising and selling tickets for two raffles: the first for the Year 12 cohort and staff, and the second for the Year 10s and 11s. In the culminating weeks of Term 3, both raffles were drawn at special online events featuring boys’ reflections from immersions in previous years and video messages from our friends in Uganda and Kenya. In his final year as Deputy Principal, we were lucky to have Mr Brown join us to draw the raffles in his famously entertaining way. Ultimately, a total of nearly $3,780 was raised across the two raffles, signalling an outstanding conclusion to a difficult term.

International Women’s Day Earlier in the year, prior to our commencement of Distance Learning, we were able to hold a barbeque to celebrate International Women’s Day. A staple of Harambee’s fundraising, the boys relished the opportunity to pick up the tongs and put their expertise in manning the grill to use. On a hot lunchtime, $700 was raised for Hope Community High School in Uganda.

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OTG East Africa Immersion In January, six newly minted Old Trinity Grammarians from the Class of 2019 journeyed to Uganda and Kenya on an eye-opening immersion trip. Alongside Mr Tom Purcell and Mr Chris Amiconi, their travels began in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya, where the group experienced moving community gatherings, joyful masses, and life-changing visits to homes and schools. The energy and smiles of the children were, as always, infectious and it was touching to meet the families that the Trinity community has been supporting for the last six years. A highlight is always running with the Kenyans through the beautiful Rift Valley.

The second leg of the immersion comprised nine days at the Village of Hope in Uganda.

Each morning, the OTGs and staff walked up the mountain to watch the sun rise over the beautiful Lake Victoria. To see the difference Harambee’s child sponsorships are making in the Village of Hope by taking children out of the Masese slums and giving them the opportunity to receive an education is always heart-warming, and the evening reflections from our OTGs were very poignant as they shared the impact of the experiences on their own lives, returning to Australia with the drive to be a voice for the voiceless.

Food programs A large proportion of the $29,200 dispensed to East Africa in 2020 was channelled into food programs undertaken by both the Village of Hope in Uganda and the Harambee Vocation Centre in Kenya. Following the onset of COVID-19, food shortages arose and, to counter this, both communities put systems in place to feed children and families in the surrounding area.

Harambee’s monetary contributions played an instrumental role in ensuring the ministries were able to acquire the necessary supplies and distribute them within the districts.

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Walking in Solidarity Global estimates published in 2017 indicate that about one in three women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. With this being a clearly prevalent issue, Trinity responded in large numbers when the call was once again put out by Harambee to participate in the United Nations Walk for Women.

After piling onto a bus to the Royal Botanic Gardens, students and staff listened to an eye-opening speech from Paul Reynolds, CEO of Save the Children Australia, before walking a lap of The Tan track alongside hundreds of students from other Melbourne schools. Upon the Walk’s conclusion, there was a barbeque and live music, but it was the resolution to make a difference and new-found perspective gained by those in attendance that will remain with us for a long time to come.

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