Equipping Ambassadors, Inspiring Students…
Growing Compassion in Action: ALWS Ambassador Bootcamp
Educators from across South Australia gathered in Adelaide this March for the ALWS Ambassador Bootcamp – an opportunity not just to learn, but to be equipped to grow compassion and global awareness in their students.
With 46 new Ambassadors trained nationally, representing 23 Lutheran schools, the heart of the day was clear: to empower educators to help students see beyond their own context and respond with empathy, justice and hope. This reflects the heart of LEA’s Free to Flourish values in forming young people who are courageous, compassionate and connected to the wider world.
Through sessions exploring international aid and development, participants gained a deeper understanding of the work of ALWS and its partners. Guest speaker Mary Obara, Program Manager for our partner LWF Kenya and Somalia, shared firsthand experiences from Kenya and Somalia, particularly in refugee camp contexts where education is critical. Her stories highlighted how supporting girls to remain in school not only transforms individual lives, but helps prevent early marriage, builds stronger communities and opens the door for a future.
The day also provided practical tools exploring what meaningful, sustainable aid looks like, and how schools can embed service learning authentically. Just as importantly, it created space for connection and shared purpose among passionate educators.
“As a teacher, the work ALWS does in helping young people in Australian schools develop empathy and a broader understanding of the world is invaluable. Their resources and initiatives make difficult global topics accessible for students in age-appropriate ways.”
“Working alongside ALWS to develop a culture of service learning in our school is inspirational. As educators we have investigated thinking and practices that will truly engage the hearts of young people to do good in this world.”
ALWS Ambassadors play a vital role in Lutheran schools in connecting students with global realities and inspiring them to respond with empathy and action.
We value the partnership we enjoy with Lutheran schools. Together, we are equipping young people to grow in compassion and live out their faith in meaningful ways.
To continue building this impact, ALWS will offer Ambassador training each year in different locations, and we encourage every school to consider appointing one or two Ambassadors to lead, inspire and strengthen this connection within their community.
For details of future trainings or how you can connect with ALWS, please contact me at cfielke@alws.org.au.
