01 April 2016

Caritas challenges students and youth to spend 24-hours in solidarity with those less fortunate

A multi-sport challenge, a dance party/rally and a hikoi are just a few of the events being run by Catholic schools and youth groups around the country today and tomorrow to launch the annual Caritas Challenge.

Aimed at raising awareness about social justice issues in the world, as well as raising funds for organiser Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, the Challenge helps young people understand aspects of what people living with poverty and injustice experience on a daily basis by taking on ‘challenges’.

Sleeping overnight in cardboard box shelters to experience some of what those without homes or in temporary housing live with is one such Challenge being undertaken by the groups taking part.

Each year the Caritas Challenge focuses on a specific country in which Caritas is delivering a development programme and this year Cambodia is being featured.

Caritas’ work in the country is focussed on helping indigenous people improve their farming techniques and adapt their crops to a changing climate, providing access to clean water and land rights.

Games and activities are also developed by Caritas each year to teach participants about living conditions in the focus country.

This year the Caritas Challenge will run for a six-week period from 1 April until 15 May, and groups are encouraged to hold their own Challenge at any point during the six weeks.

For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Communications, Marketing and Fundraising Advisor Crispin Anderlini on 021 190 9908 or email to crispin@caritas.org.nz

Launch event by region

Auckland

When: 1 April

Where: Baradene College (3rd year in a row for Baradene) - 180 students

What: All Yr 10 students at Baradene will participate in various challenges throughout the school day. Mass in the evening.

All Year 10 classes will be activities based on Cambodia

Rotorua

When: 5 April

Where: John Paull College II in Rotorua (Gemma to attend) - 500 students

What: There is a full school Mass and then a pilgrimage walk from JPC, along the ‘green corridor’ to St Michael’s Church, stopping along the way to acknowledge some of the challenges faced by Cambodian people.

Bishop of Hamilton to hold Mass.

Palmerston North

When: 1 April

Where: St Peter’s College - 120 students

What: Students will participate in the Live It challenge and combine all 4 challenges.

Wellington

When: 1-2 April

Where: Challenge 2000, Johnsonville - 50 youth group members

What: Sleeping overnight in cardboard shelters and other activites.

Cardinal John will be there between 11am -12pm on Saturday 2nd.

Christchurch

When: 1-2 April

Where: Marion Colllege & Cathedral College - 100 students

What: It involves three schools and several youth groups involved in a number of activities, including building a cardboard city, having a Mass for the schools (4pm) and a youth rally/dance party at night called ‘Fire Power’ with the Christchurch youth ministry team.

Dunedin

When: 1-2 April

Where: Kavanagh College

What: Kavanagh College will be hosting a 24 hour multi-sport challenge in the school gym.

ENDS

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