The group of eight students accompanied by teachers Mr Greg Trainor and Ms Azadeh Shafi-Beigli visited Parliament as part of a national campaign to make poverty history around the world.
In Parliament, Mr Clare spoke about the many people he has the privilege to represent having escaped the war in Vietnam, the killing fields of Cambodia, civil war in Lebanon and Sudan.
“Blaxland is an electorate which has been touched by the horrors of war and one that understands the effects of poverty because, for many, they have lived it. They have come to Australia for a better life for themselves and a better life for their children. When I was a little boy I shared a classroom with many of them. Today, many of their children go to Cabramatta High School,” Mr Clare said.
The students from Cabramatta High, Vicky Ly, Christine Nguyen, Monica Phan, Hong Kiang, Danny Rauv, Peter Chau, Adam Urbancic and Aaron Moala were presented with congratulatory certificates for their work with Micah Challenge and the ‘Voices for Justice’ campaign.
In his speech, Mr Clare also went on to praise Cabramatta High School for its commitment in encouraging students to have a social conscience.
“Last year the school helped raise over $14 000 to help build 31 wells for fresh drinking water in Cambodia.
“For the last three years Cabramatta High School has held an annual Peace Day in conjunction with the Sydney Peace Prize.
“It’s a major event in the school’s calendar and the winner of the Sydney Peace Prize is the guest speaker. This year it is Patrick Dodson, Chairman of the Lingiari Foundation,” Mr Clare said.
Mr Clare who is the sponsor of the 2008 Cabramatta High School Peace Prize will be visiting the school again on November 7 to present the award.
Media Contact: Chris Zogopoulos
Phone: 9790 2466
