WORDS Nicola Nemaric

Your own acts of generosity can seem inconsequential when your favourite singer has just secured 30,000 signatures for an Oxfam petition or pledged seven figures to a Haiti relief fund. Can our contributions really make a difference? One 16-year-old demonstrates that youth and lack of fame needn’t be a barrier.

On June 25, this year, Madeleine Slingo braved a night in the cold, sleeping on cardboard in the name of social justice.

‘We did it to raise awareness of the plight of the homeless, particularly in Melbourne, and to gain a better understanding of the struggle they face every day’, says Madeleine.

‘It taught me that there is a personality behind every face, and to avoid stereotyping. The experience helped us appreciate how fortunate we are to have a roof over our heads and food on the table every night.’

The Winter Sleep Out is just one of the many ways that Madeleine has been helping the poor. She’s also involved with the Hawthorn Catholic Parish’s Youth Engagement Program, where she plays volleyball with young inmates at the Melbourne Youth Justice Centre.

‘It adds some activity and variation to their day’, Madeleine says. ‘I definitely see a response from the clients when they continue to turn up for each game. I enjoy the volleyball but get to leave feeling as though I’ve helped someone other than myself.’

In addition to this, Madeleine is a regular volunteer at the Friday Night School, a tutoring centre for new migrant families.

‘The program means students can be more confident in their interactions with others but it is more than that. I’ll often help mothers with their English. It means they can then fill out medical forms and job applications. It’s a small thing but it has a huge impact.’

Madeleine say she has always taken an interest in social justice issues. But going to Genazzano College has given her plenty of opportunities to get involved. Last year Madeleine was a social justice representative for her school and was also involved in an exchange to the Kimberley.

‘My school gave me this immense opportunity to spend a month immersed in a diverse culture within my home country. The host family experience gave me an insight into the culture of Aboriginal families and gave me a new perspective on my life at home in Melbourne.’

Her time spent in the Kimberley inspired her to participate in other events with an Indigenous focus, such as the Long Walk, a community walk around Melbourne, which promotes awareness of Indigenous achievements.

When asked what her role as social justice representative involved, Madeleine explains, ‘Along with the other social justice representatives, I organised the International Woman’s Day Breakfast and raised money for Caritas through Project Compassion.’

Madeleine is also a passionate supporter of the search for a cure to breast cancer. She has been involved in the Mother’s Day Classic, a fun run and walk, which raises funds for breast cancer.

Furthermore, her work experience week was spent at Breast Cancer Network Australia. Madeleine often attends Girls Nights In – games nights and slumber parties, ‘which provide opportunities to hang out with friends whilst supporting others’.

So how can we alleviate social injustices? ‘I strongly encourage reaching out to your community through volunteer work such as St Vincent de Paul’s clothes drives and soup kitchens.’

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