Angela’s Inspiration – Volunteering in Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands are in the Pacific ocean. The territory is marked here in orange. There are 992 islands with a population of 597,248.

Angela worked in Aruligo which is on the main island of Guadalcanal in Solomon Islands.

Looking out of the window of the leaf house where Angela Murray stayed while working at the San Isidro Care Centre for the Deaf in Aruligo, Solomon Islands.

A front view of the leaf houses. The students of the Care Centre for the Deaf have a game of football on the grass.

Angela felt God was encouraging her to do some work in Solomon Islands, in particular with the San Isidro Care Centre for the Deaf community. Angela prayed for guidance. Angela Murray

A page in a ‘Sign Language Book’ used by the deaf community.

Cathy teaches deaf students, however she does not have formal training in teaching of the deaf. Here Cathy is demonstrating sewing techniques to the students.

St Paul says to the Romans – We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 Solomon Islands needs help to train teachers like Cathy, so that there are more trained people available and therefore more students will have the opportunity to continue their education. What would be an example of God’s purpose for you?

Participation

Catholic Social Teaching ( CST) Principle Participation People have a right and duty to participate in society, seeking together the well being of all. Everyone has a right to participate in those institutions necessary for human fulfilment, such as work, education and political participation. Why is it important to be able to participate in your society?

Preferential protection for the poor Regina is having her breakfast which is 4 dry crackers and a cup of tea. She won’t have any more to eat until lunch, which is usually a bowl of rice with maybe a small amount of vegetables.

CST Principle Preferential protection for the poor Our Catholic Christian tradition instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first. It is especially important that we look at public policy decisions in terms of how they affect the poor. Progress of a merely economic and technological kind is insufficient. Development needs above all to be true and integral. Pope Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate, 2009 (23) What does the Pope mean when he states that development needs to be true and integral?

Universal destination of goods

CST Principle Universal destination of goods The earth and all it produces are intended for every person. Private ownership is acceptable, but there is also a responsibility to ensure all have enough to live in dignity. Do people in Solomon Islands have enough to live in dignity? Explain. What about in New Zealand?

Angela’s story is one of faith. Her work at the San Isidoro Care Centre for the Deaf helped her draw near to the needs of others in a very practical way. Pope Francis said: Set your stakes on great ideals, the ideals that enlarge the heart, the ideals of service that make your talents fruitful. Talk over this excerpt from Pope Francis (given in an address to a general audience at St. Peter’s Square April 2013).

If you want to support the Centre for the Deaf in Aruligo, check out

Photos are supplied by Angela Murray on her 2013 visit to Solomon Islands. Maps from Google images and Pope Francis photo from Google images.