Students urge refugee boost

FOR THE CAUSE: Western Heights High School's Amnesty International leaders Sarah Wild, 17 (left), Jisoo Seok, 18, and Alice Livingston, 18. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

Students from a Rotorua high school are taking action, raising their voices and calling on the Government to double the refugee quota as part of an Amnesty International campaign.

Western Heights High School students joined youth activists from around New Zealand yesterday as they took part in Amnesty International's Freedom Challenge campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the number of refugees around the world and the comparatively small quota New Zealand allows into the country.

Students spent their lunchtime encouraging their peers to give a donation in exchange for a note they could write as a kind-hearted message to their friends.

On the notes there were also facts about Amnesty International and refugees to raise awareness about the issue.

Western Heights High School's Amnesty International club vice-presidents Alice Livingston, 18, and Sarah Wild, 17, said the initiative was important in spreading information throughout the school.

"We're shocked by the fact that the current refugee quota is less than half of the population of our school," Alice said.

"When we tell people what the quota is, most students didn't know it was so small and were just as shocked as we were," Sarah said.

Alice and Sarah agreed it was important to give young people the opportunity to participate in such events. "It allows students to make a positive contribution to their communities and have informed opinions when it comes to issues like the refugee quota," Alice said.

Teacher organiser Nathan Ward said any projects run through the school's Amnesty International club were largely student led. "For the most part I'm just here to oversee what the students are doing and offer help when they need it. Wanting to take part in this initiative was the club's idea and they have been left to their own devices for the most part."

Mr Ward said school clubs like Amnesty International were vital for "developing a social conscience early on".

"It's very important students have the opportunity to explore these issues and consider what they can be doing to make a difference."

-For video of the initiative, go to www.dailypost.co.nz