Today we’re sending a big ‘thank you’ to St Mary’s Catholic Primary School for their amazing fundraising efforts!

On Thursday 9 February, Missio’s Diocesan Director for Shrewsbury, Fr Tony Grace, and Deacon Eddie Miller visited St Mary’s Catholic Primary school in Crewe.

They led a series of Mission Together assemblies based around this year’s Together in… campaign: Together in the Philippines.

The Together in… campaign

Every year Mission Together produces an assembly focusing on one of our projects overseas and those it supports. This year we’re getting to know children from the Badjao tribe and the help they receive at Nano Nagle Education Centre.

Would your school like to join our Together in the Philippines campaign? Click here to find out how>>

An ancient tribe with modern challenges

The Badjao are an ancient people who, for centuries, lived entirely on the sea. In recent years, pollution of the waters has made their way of life untenable, and so the Badjao settled on land. Sadly, their challenges have continued, as the tribe members struggle to make a living and face huge discrimination, even when accessing basic social services.

Thankfully, in 1997 a Missionary Sister from Ireland encountered the Badjao and began to work with the community to help improve their situation. Since then, the Badjao, with help from Sr Evelyn (PBVM) and her fellow Sisters, have established a health centre, community outreach programmes, and the Nano Nagle Education Centre.

The Education Centre provides free nursery places for Badajo children and after-school educational support for children up to the age of 18. Every week, around 300 children receive help through supplementary tuition and the use of the Centre facilities.

St Mary’s rises to the challenge

Inspired by Fr Tony’s assemblies, the pupils and staff of St Mary’s took part in a non-uniform day to raise money for the Badjao children in the Philippines. Even in these difficult times, the fantastic school community has helped to raise an amazing £506.16!

Mrs Wright, Head Teacher, said:

‘I am incredibly proud of all our children and staff for their generosity and support. It is so important for our children to have a worldwide awareness of people in need, as well as the joy of giving. Thank you to everyone who helped to make a difference, especially our Mini Vinnie pupils who have worked so hard to promote this charity.’

Fr Tony Grace said:

‘Many thanks to Mrs Wright for her great support and encouragement for Mission Together.

Many thanks to all the children, staff and parents for their generosity. It is greatly appreciated.’

Our wonderful schools

Schools across England and Wales are reaching out in love and hope to children and families throughout the world. And every penny, pound and prayer you share with Mission Together provides practical help and pastoral care to children in great need, through the missionaries who care and provide for them.

Whether it’s a new school bus, a feeding programme or a health centre, the missionaries we work with are making a real difference to the lives of countless children, letting them know they are loved by God and by us.

Get involved

• To find out more about our Together in the Philippines campaign, and for all our fantastic, free school resources, visit the Mission Together website for primary resources
• For secondary school resources, including liturgies, prayers, reflections and support, click here>>
• Have you helped Mission Together? We’d love the opportunity to celebrate you and say a proper ‘thank you’! Please send your stories, photos and videos to info@missio.org.uk