Refugee Week highlights impact of Parramatta Marist and Marist180 partnership

Through the Marist Exchange Two-Way Education and Life Learning (METWELL) program, senior student volunteers from Parramatta Marist connect each week with participants in the Marist180 Unaccompanied Humanitarian Minors (UHM) Program, building friendships and supporting young people as they settle into life in Australia.

Established in 2024, the program welcomes UHM participants to the Parramatta Marist campus to connect with students through a range of social, sporting and cultural activities. This strengthens relationships, fosters a sense of belonging and creates valuable opportunities for students and participants to learn from one another.

Activities include everything from table tennis, cooking to kite-making with each providing opportunities for collaboration, confidence-building and community connection.

Football has become a significant feature of the program, attracting additional young people from the UHM program and further strengthening the friendships formed through METWELL.

“Wednesday is my favourite day of the week because I get to play my favourite sport football with my METWELL friends from Parramatta Marist High,” said Ali, a participant in the UHM program (Ali’s name has been changed for privacy reasons). “Three words which describe my METWELL experience: Fun, Belonging and Friendship.”

“Through simple activities like playing soccer and having conversations, we have been able to build genuine friendships and learn from their resilience, positivity and outlook on life,” said Parramatta Marist Year 11 student Jad.

Marist180 Director Mission, Inclusion and Identity Patrick O'Reilly has been impressed at how welcoming the Parramatta Marist students have been.

"The young men here at Parramatta Marist are so accommodating, so non-judgmental,” he said. “They meet one another where they're at and seek what is good in each other.”

Beyond these social and sporting activities, participants are also exploring shared themes across faith traditions through conversations about Lent and Ramadan.

“We've been exposed to dialogue with others, learning how people live out their values and how different faiths approach significant celebrations, such as Ramadan,” said Parramatta Marist student Josh.

Involvement in METWELL has provided the Parramatta Marist students with valuable insight into the experiences of refugees and migrants while fostering cultural awareness and social responsibility.

“When we learnt about where they came from, what they'd been through and how they've been displaced, it made me feel like what I was doing was worthwhile,” said Josh. “It made an impact in my life knowing I can come back and play each week and help put those hardships and challenges aside and just enjoy ourselves and have fun.” 

“We feel grateful for the opportunity to spend time with them each week and be part of a community where everyone can connect, learn from one another and enjoy themselves.” said fellow student Ben.

A highlight from the program was a World Cup-style football tournament last year. Mixed teams competed across a series of matches that celebrated teamwork, diversity and the relationships that had developed throughout the program.

Another recent activity explored the cultural significance of kites in Afghan society. Through discussion and hands-on activities, the Parramatta Marist students learned about the history and symbolism of kites before participating in a kite-building event that celebrated cultural understanding and teamwork.

Parramatta Marist Assistant Principal Nicole Denniss said one of the most powerful aspects of the program is witnessing the connections formed between students and participants.

“When I see the boys walk up, shake hands and greet one another with smiles on their faces, that connection blows my mind,” Nicole said.

“It brings tears to my eyes with how simple yet how powerful and meaningful that is for all the boys involved.”

UHM Program Coordinator Emilia Randell expressed her pride in how the program continues to have a positive impact on participants.

“Through the METWELL program, we've seen young people build meaningful connections, develop confidence and experience a genuine sense of belonging, all while engaging in something they genuinely enjoy,” Emilia said.

METWELL shows how education can bring people together by helping students learn from one another, build friendships and celebrate their differences. The program is creating stronger connections, greater understanding and a real sense of community, proving that diversity can be a source of strength and growth.