Talking Mission - Elizabeth Heath

1. Could you please introduce yourself and your role at Catholic Mission?

I am Elizabeth Heath, and since December 2023 I have been the National Schools Engagement Manager at Catholic Mission. Previously, I was the Child and Youth Engagement Coordinator at UNICEF Australia. What I like most about working at Catholic Mission is the passion and devotion of our team.

2. Can you tell us what Socktober is and how it plays a role in teaching children about Mission?

Socktober serves as a catalyst for inspiring students to actively participate in their local communities and combat poverty through soccer, a universal game. It empowers young individuals in Australia to become agents of change, prompting them to consider not only the actions they’ll take to make a difference but also the underlying motivations driving those actions.

3. Could you explain how Socktober operates and its impact globally?

Catholic Mission plays a crucial role in the Catholic international mission development arena by providing funding and support to Church-run missionary programs in remote and developing regions. Socktober serves as a powerful avenue through which we highlight and support specific projects. For example, the 2023 Socktober campaign featured Catholic Mission’s work in Timor-Leste, highlighting the important work of the Salesian Sisters in Venilale, a rural town in a country struggling with poverty. Thanks to our fundraising efforts in schools, last year students and their communities helped raise more than $560,000 for mission projects worldwide. Consequently, Socktober provides students with the opportunity to make a profound impact on communities in need, not only in Timor-Leste but globally.

4. How does teaching children about the Mission assist them in growing into more mindful youths and young adults?

Introducing children to Mission at a young age lays the foundation for their development into mindful and socially conscious individuals. By instilling values of compassion, service and global solidarity, we nurture a generation of young people who are attuned to the needs of others and committed to making a difference. Through initiatives like Socktober, children not only learn about the importance of giving back but also gain practical experience in taking action for causes greater than themselves. As they grow into young adults, these experiences shape their worldview and instil a lifelong commitment to service and justice. By integrating Mission into their education we empower children to become thoughtful and compassionate leaders of tomorrow.

5. How is Socktober providing students with tangible ways to make a difference?

As someone with a background in children’s rights and youth engagement, I am passionate about involving young people in the work of Mission in a meaningful way. Authentic engagement with children and youth begins with listening to their voices and understanding their perspectives, learning from their insights, values, and aspirations. Many young people are passionate about issues such as social justice, climate change, poverty alleviation, and refugee rights. Providing them with a platform to express their ideas and empowering them to take action are important ways of effectively engaging with them. That’s why we’ve been conducting co-design workshops in schools, where we listen to students’ thoughts on Socktober and how they envision participating in not only fundraising but also in Mission formation activities. By authentically engaging with young people, we foster genuine connections and cultivate a shared commitment to making a positive impact in our communities and beyond.