Since 2008, these classroom lessons have reached all the way to Laos, where the Lotus Educational Fund has helped dozens of girls access the education they once only dreamed of.

The initiative began when Cathrine Hart, a parent at the school, was inspired by a personal connection to Laos. Motivated to make a difference, Cathrine teamed up with then-teacher Dianne Gamage, and together they created a fundraising initiative within the school community. With the support of staff and families, St Therese’s began a tradition of fundraising that has continued through to 2025.

Every second year, the connection grows as students in Years 5 and 6 engage in their Social Justice unit inspired by the Lotus project.

Through shared videos and class discussions, they explore the stark contrasts between life in suburban Newcastle and rural Laos, where many families live without electricity or running water and rely on foraged food and subsistence farming. Many of the Laotian girls come from large families and are needed to work on the farms or care for younger siblings, preventing them from attending school. Others take low-paid jobs in Thailand to send money back to help their families.

In reflective writing, students expressed how the project changed their perspectives.

“I have realised that people in other countries are not as fortunate as us in Australia. I am truly grateful to live here, in a safe, community-filled country,” said Year 6 St Therese’s student, Chase.

“I’ve learned that some children in other countries are treated differently to us in Australia. They unfortunately do not have access to the childhood experiences that I have access to, and this has contributed to the gratitude I feel for everything I have today,” said Harry, also in Year 6.

As part of this unit, the St Therese’s students create artworks that reflect their understanding of hardship, inequality, and the power of education. These pieces are showcased in a special evening exhibition where the school hall is transformed into a vibrant art gallery. Here, the families are invited to attend and take part in a silent auction, bidding on the students’ creations.

Alongside the artworks, students from the other year groups contribute handmade items such as bookmarks, pens, pot plants, and pendants for a market-style stall.

This year’s exhibition was held in September with all proceeds raised on the night going directly to the Lotus Educational Fund.

To date, the St Therese’s community has raised around $50,000, which has provided essentials for 84 girls in Laos with items such as uniforms, books, tuition, and even bicycles to help them get to and from school. The funding also supports an annual Life Skills program that teaches critical thinking, financial literacy, and future planning, empowering girls with the confidence and skills to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

Cathrine Hart, now the Australian Director of the Lotus Educational Fund, has travelled to Laos many times and has witnessed the impact firsthand.

“There are significant challenges in Laos, including the risk of human trafficking, especially for young girls,” she said. “But with education, we’re seeing real change.”

One of the most inspiring outcomes has been the success of the first cohort of girls supported by Lotus. Many have now completed university training as teachers, nurses and engineers, and have returned to mentor the next generation of schoolgirls through the Big Sister Program.

“This legacy of learning is reshaping how education is viewed in their communities.”

“Many of the girls’ parents are illiterate and so the modelling for the importance of education isn’t there,” Cathrine said.

“These are the first females in their families to complete 12 years of schooling. It is an amazing achievement.”

The Lotus Educational Fund is built on the belief that education creates opportunity and hope. Through the compassion and commitment of the St Therese’s community, that hope is being realised – one future at a time.