International Volunteering with Palms Australia

Palms Australia has created a collection of educational, theological and action material for secondary school students to use during or near the National Week of Volunteering, 15th-21st May, 2006 and Pentecost, 4th June, 2006. However, they can be used at any time in the year to suite the appropriate time for any particular subject focus area.

There are six exercises which can be applied to a range of curriculum outcomes at Stages 4 & 5 in subjects including Geography (mandatory and elective), Commerce and Religious Education. See the matrix of curriculum outcomes for an indication of the subject focus areas applicable to each exercise.

The exercises are structured according to Shared Christian Praxis and thus provide for a critical faith reflection on current practice. The Shared Christian Praxis structure can be applied within both 'secular' and religious subjects to allow an integration of faith within the whole curriculum. Alternatively, the exercises can still be used effectively without the Christian Vision and Story component if it is not appropriate to use it. Some of the exercises have additional resources which are available on this website or can be located at other internet sites; just follow the links. The six units are:

1. Volunteering
2. Day in the Life (also see Resource page for "Day in the Life" exercise B)
3. Poverty (also see fair trade information: Mugged)
4. What is Development? (Development play 'Pacific Star')
5. Links to the World
6. Global Warming

Other resources:

1. Palms Interactive World Map can be used by students to locate and learn about other countries.
2. For information on specific volunteer placements, visit our Volunteer Profiles Page.
3. Resources on Fair Trade from Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand.
4. Brochure of other education and professional development resources for schools and teachers.

Pentecost & National Week of Volunteering

Pentecost - linking many cultures in one faith
Volunteering - linking many cultures in one world

In our increasingly interconnected world there remains a high degree of conflict, prejudice and inequality among people of different cultures. In the Spirit of Pentecost, "volunteering involves building people-to-people relationships and respect for cultural differences." The wind and flame of the Spirit of Pentecost are experienced in the life and light that volunteers bring to the world today.

Pentecost is a vision of the unity and harmony that can be achieved through people working together in good faith. International volunteering is a practical way of making real the vision of Pentecost. "The volunteer experience is life changing. Volunteers contribute to a deeper perspective and understanding within the wider Australian community of other cultures…" Thus the Pentecostal Spirit of unity is extended beyond the volunteer to all those who might listen to the volunteer's story and thus share in their journey.

Palms understands the Spirit of Pentecost to be at the heart of its and all efforts at cooperation between people of differing cultures to make a more sustainable and just world. Using these resources gives students the opportunity to participate in the work of the Spirit in bringing harmony to the world.

For more information, extra resources or to arrange a speaker, please contact Palms' Community Relations Coordinator, PO Box 976 Glebe NSW 2037; ph. 02 9518 9551; fax. 02 9518 9550; or via email form.