Glenaeon student wins the first national UNHCR High School Article Writing Competition

On 11 March this year, at a special school assembly, Michel Gabaudan, Regional Representative of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) presented Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School's Sophie Weldon with a certificate for winning the first national UNHCR High School Article Writing Competition. Also at the assembly was Adut Dau Atem -- the subject of Sophie's story which has been published, along with the finalists, by the UNHCR in a book Refugees: telling their stories.

For Adut and Sophie, their relationship began with Sophie's Class VIII project ---a novella based on the interviews that formed the basis of the UNHCR entry. It has also been a most positive experience for Glenaeon. At the assembly, Sophie told how Class IX s, with the support of the school, raised funds to initiate the medical examinations that brought Adut's mother and cousins to Australia to reunite with Adut and, briefly before he died, Adut's father. The Dau Atem family now live together in Canberra where Adut has begun to study medical science.

World Refugee Day was celebrated on 20 June 2004. According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), this year's theme, '"A place to call home: Rebuilding lives in safety and dignity", was intended to draw attention to the challenges and hopes that accompany refugees in their search for a new home through voluntary repatriation, local integration or resettlement.' Glenaeon marked the event with fundraising to create an increased awareness of the plight of refugees. Already this year refugee issues have been included in teaching topics, in class discussions and in the support of events to raise awareness.

Adut Dau Atem, Les Murray, Ian Chappell, Geraldine Doogue and Sophie Weldon

Sophie continues to be deeply involved on both a personal and practical level. She spoke at the official launch of World Refugee Day and this year's writing competition in both Canberra and Sydney. In Canberra the Hon Gary Hardgrave MP, Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs opened the function. In Sydney the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC was a special guest. The function was hosted by Geraldine Doogue with special guests SBS Head of Sport, Les Murray and Ian Chappell, with all of whom Sophie and Adut are pictured.

For more information on either the day, the competition or to read Adut's story, please visit www.worldrefugeeday.org.au

For more information on Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School, Middle Cove & Castlecrag, please visit www.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au or phone 61 2 9417 3193.