Meet Xylah Bamji, a Year 9 student at Santa Sabina College, whose dedication to outreach is taking her on an extraordinary journey. The Dominican ethos at Santa Sabina deeply ingrains a commitment to service and social justice in every student and staff member. Our community prioritises the wellbeing of others and the stewardship of our planet, embodying a tradition of selflessness and care.
Xylah is spearheading a campaign to improve the lives of impoverished girls in India. Next month during her school holidays, she is travelling to Bangalore to volunteer in an orphanage and in the classrooms of a school attended by children from the streets and the slums. She will teach, read to the children, lead soccer games, cook in the orphanage, and immerse herself in the lives of the Bangalore students. The Indian families will teach Xylah how to make bags from recycled plastic materials to sell and raise funds for the school. With other Sydney teenagers and their mothers – organised by the Akka project – Xylah will take donations of enough period underwear for every student and letters individually addressed from new pen pals.
Why is Xylah spending her winter break doing this, instead of a beach holiday, a ski trip, or binge-watching a favourite show?
‘I feel that we have such privilege as girls growing up in Australia,’ she says.
‘We need to use our advantage to help other people. Living out the Dominican Pillars also gives me the sense that this volunteer work is important. Helping other people is also good for us – to show us how not everyone is as well-fed and safe as Australians are.’
Xylah is the only Santa Sabina student on her way to help in the Parikrma Humanity Foundation schools of Bangalore, but she has received tangible help from her Homeroom classmates and her House, Teangi.
‘I’ve had a lot of support, especially from Teangi at House meetings,’ she says.
College Principal Paulina Skerman says, ‘Xylah’s commitment to helping others is truly inspiring. She embodies the values we strive to instil in all our students.’
It is worth noting that Xylah received an inaugural Principal’s Honour Medal in 2023 for her demonstration of the College’s highly valued character traits of respect, responsibility, resilience, self-regulation, humility and application.
How can other students help Xylah boost international teenage wellbeing and seek to break the cycle of poverty?
‘Connect with the Indian girls by writing them letters which I will hand-deliver and read to them. Donate period underwear – we are hoping to take 800 pairs, three for each girl,’ Xylah says. ‘Any donations are great, and all efforts are appreciated.’
Xylah’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that one person can have. Her selflessness and commitment to helping others serve is an inspiration to us all. As Xylah continues her volunteer work, she hopes to inspire others to get involved as well. She plans to build on this each year – this is her second annual trip to Bangalore.
In a time when the world can often seem divided, Xylah’s story is a beacon of hope. Her dedication to helping others is a testament to the power of kindness and the difference that one person can make. As she looks ahead to the future, Xylah is excited to continue her volunteer work and find new ways to support her community.
Join Xylah in her mission to make a difference. Write letters, donate period underwear, or contribute in any way you can. Every effort counts.
If you would like to support Xylah’s work with a donation of period underwear, please leave your donations at the Secondary Campus Staff Room or email her at bamjix2028@ssc.nsw.edu.au
