The Cage is an activity aimed at raising awareness for the plight of refugees both in Australia and across the world. On 18 June myself, and nine students stayed overnight in Alphington Court to raise awareness, partaking in a variety of smaller activities, such as hearing from a refugee guest speaker and learning about government policy on refugees among many others.
Emotions of hopelessness and injustice dominated many of the stories we heard during our time in the cage. Ashinafi’s story, however, provoked a prevailing sense of success in the face of these injustices and uncontrollable circumstances. Ashinafi could not return to Ethiopia and his family because of his Tigray ethnicity. In the eyes of the government, he was an enemy simply because of his place of birth and culture. Ashinafi took asylum in Australia, his skill as a highly qualified engineer aiding his application. He was lucky to have found with the Brigidine Asylum Project who do incredible work assisting and advocating for refugees in Australia.
Br Mark Paul, a volunteer with the Brigidine Project spoke to us about his experience with the issues faced by asylum seekers. Br Mark has worked with Ashinafi to assist his settlement as a contributing member of our community.
His story acts as a testament to the contribution that asylum seekers, and more widely immigrants, have made to Australia, and serves to challenge the wider xenophobia, scapegoating and dehumanisation of and against refugees that has taken hold in a high-cost of living Australia.
I participated in the Cage to hear these stories, educate myself and be able to open positive dialogue with others to combat the unjust treatment of asylum seekers in Australia. The Cage equipped me and others with the tools to take our own actions, whether in our own circles or in the wider community, against these injustices – to take steps and contribute to a wider tide of reform and change for refugees.
The Cage is an initiative where students live in an enclosed space in Alphington Court, to live in similar conditions to refugees. The aim was to raise awareness and educate others, but I found myself being educated most of all. The Cage was an amazing experience that I will not forget. This year being my second year, I have had the privilege of hearing from a large range of people with different experiences and stories that have strengthened my understanding and knowledge about refugees. The guest speakers, Mark and Ashinafi, shared their stories that were really powerful. Their stories, in conjunction with the cage itself, has made me a lot more grateful for everything I have, and I hope I can carry this with me for the rest of my life.
I enjoyed The Cage. I had a great time with everyone involved, doing our daily lives differently. It was very insightful, having the guest speakers, and hearing firsthand about the issues faced by refugees and asylum seekers in Australia. Ironically, I was trapped in a cage, but my mind became free.
Each Tuesday morning a dedicated group of Parade College students rise early to take part in Eddie’s Brekky Van. Now in its 20th year, this incredible outreach program sees students preparing and serving breakfast for the patrons of the Olympic Village in Heidelberg West.
More than just a hot meal, Eddie’s Brekky Van provides a vital sense of connection and community to those who attend. For many patrons, it is something they look forward to every week – a warm welcome, a friendly face, and a nourishing start to the day.
Year 12 students Kizaer Kane H06, and Alexander Parker L06, along with Year 10 Hamish Adlard B01, and Harry Pitts L08 are regular attendees and their hard work and dedication to the program is outstanding. Well done to all of you. Another big thank you to Geraldine Fernandes and Christopher Blampied who are our regular volunteers.
Through this program, students gain invaluable life experience, developing empathy, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of social responsibility. Eddie’s Brekky Van continues to embody the spirit of service and compassion that lies at the heart of Parade College.
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