The Schools Engagement Program of UnitingWorld connects Uniting Church Schools in Australia with our Relief and Development projects.

We aim to establish mutually beneficial relationships between UnitingWord, Uniting Church schools, Partner Churches and the local communities and projects.

UnitingWorld is committed to building long term relationships and connecting communities for life.

It is through these long term relationships that schools can learn of the unique characteristics and complexities of the culture of the Partner community.

Through discussion and negotiation schools and their partner communities seek ways to contribute to the building of their capacity to administer and resolve ways to deal with the issues they face.

Schools can engage with our Partners in four ways:

1. Learning about and fundraising for specific projects through resources provided by UnitingWorld.
2. Communicating via UnitingWorld with partner schools through letter writing and/or email contact.
3. Participating in short-term exposure trips that allow students to experience the local context of our
   Partners and gain a deeper understanding of the issues they are facing.

4. Establishing a long term relationship with a partner Community, School and/or project, involving a  commitment to assist in the capacity building of that Community, School and/or project.

Benefits for Schools:

Students will:

• Develop strong and unique friendships
• Develop cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Learn about the complex global issues that impact on our Partner Communities
• Learn appropriate ways of engaging with overseas Partners
• Learn good relief and development practices
• Learn what it means to be responsible global citizens

If you would like more information about Development Education and how your school can get involved, email us at dev.info@unitingworld.org.au