On May 6th, over 115 passionate students and educators from across the globe came together online for the Edmund Rice International (ERI) Global Schools’ Meets. Representing a diverse network of schools from Oceania, India, South Africa, the UK, Ireland, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, the USA, Zambia, South America, Nigeria, and Canada – participants united in their shared commitment to justice and advocacy.
To accommodate different time zones, the meet was held across two sessions, each rich with student-led presentations and powerful video contributions. These showcased the wide range of ways ERI student groups are acting as catalysts for change within their communities.
In his opening address, Br Brian Bond, Executive Director of ERI, encouraged the young participants to continue using their voices for local and global action, reminding them of their potential to effect meaningful transformation. “You are a powerful voice for change in the world,” he affirmed.
Setting the tone for the gathering was a moving prayer delivered by Grace David, India Province Coordinator for Social Justice and Advocacy and ERI Board member. Held during the week of Blessed Edmund Rice’s Feast Day, the prayer served as a poignant reminder that today’s students are the living legacy of Edmund’s mission for justice and compassion.
Throughout the sessions, students inspired one another by sharing how their ERI groups are:
- Standing in solidarity with the most vulnerable
- Challenging and lobbying political leaders
- Using art and creativity to raise awareness of human rights issues
- Leading justice education initiatives within their schools
- Organising workshops and conferences for peer schools
- Participating in peaceful protest and civic engagement
- Collaborating with NGOs and civil society organisations
- Promoting environmental sustainability and striving for net-zero targets
The social justice projects showcased by the schools in the first meet also covered a wide array of themes and actions, including the She is Someone gender equality campaign, climate action and sustainability efforts, Project Compassion, the ERI Youth Ambassadors’ Programme, Reconciliation Actions, cooking programs, immersions, and fundraising activities.
Engagement was lively, with students and staff responding in real-time via chat and reaction features. A poll conducted during the meet offered valuable insights into how the ERI Schools Programme can grow, evolve, and deepen its global impact. One key takeaway was that schools are eager to build on one another’s creativity and commitment, forming a network of solidarity and shared learning.
A video compilation highlighting the students’ incredible efforts is available to view providing a snapshot of the movement’s momentum and reach. Click on the links for separate videos of the Oceania and theGlobalMeets
The gathering also featured insights from Simon Duggan, a former principal in England, who is now lending his expertise to ERI’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) research efforts.
Among the many memorable contributions, a standout came from Mrs Christine Chana, lead teacher of the advocacy group at Iona Preparatory School in New York, who captured the spirit of the gathering with a simple but powerful message:
“The world needs all the good we can do.”
More and more schools are becoming partnered with Edmund Rice International, and their contribution is very important in their vital mission. A newly created video further illustrates how schools are making a difference—and how others can join the movement.
– thanks to Ann Nichols and Grace David for the information in this article