Congratulations to the Friends of Kopanang student team for winning the Community Citizenship Award for the Secondary School Team category presented by Wests Ashfield Leagues.
Every year, Year 11 Students from Santa Sabina travel to Kopanang, a South African community-based embroidery project, to immerse themselves in the culture and lifestyle of the people within rural townships, one hour outside of Johannesburg. The Kopanang Project has a strong affiliation with our school through the work of Sr Shiela, a Dominican Sister, who is credited for establishing this project gifting women afflicted with adversity the opportunity to learn skills that will inspire a new awareness of the power of community, where they can share their cultural and spiritual stories and find their voice.
“Last year, we were fortunate enough to be selected for this incredible opportunity to deepen our understanding for the world and the people in it. The women and children of this community touched our hearts with their generosity of spirit and willingness to welcome us into their homes. However, such an experience was also confronting, seeing first-hand the impacts of poverty and the inequalities that exist. Returning back, we realised how much we had to give, and how much this community will truly appreciate it. Motivated to make this happen, we asked students and staff from the senior school to bring in clothing, health and stationary items, either brand new or second hand.
The response was overwhelming with the end result being 5 pallets filled with stock ready to be sent to the other side of the world, to a community very close to our hearts. The most enjoyable aspect of the work, while challenging and a times very time consuming, was the tireless hours spent sorting and packing with a group of girls with high spirits and immense enthusiasm, which strengthened our own community bond. But perhaps the most enjoyment came from knowing, that when arriving at the destination, the people whom they were being sent would undoubtedly be grateful and appreciative.” Ashley
