“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Nazareth School, Vasai embarked on its academic journey for the year 2023-2024 under the guiding theme of ‘Include the Excluded.’ As we near the culmination of this school year, I feel compelled to reflect on the journey we have undertaken.

During a time of deep reflection and meditation, I have pondered the impact of our commitment to the theme ‘including the Excluded’ throughout the 2023-2024 academic year within our school community. Our endeavors aimed to wholeheartedly embrace inclusivity and compassion, aligning with the essence of the SCN Mission Statement that emphasizes our innate purpose to serve others.

Among the many initiatives undertaken, we particularly reached out to Krushanai Pramod Sawant and Shreya Vishwakarma, both of whom face physical challenges. Welcoming them into our school community symbolized a collective embrace, fostering a transformative shift in attitudes among both students and teachers. Witnessing their academic and personal growth, alongside the support they received through physiotherapy at Sanjeevani School, has been deeply gratifying. The inclusion of two students with special abilities within our school community fostered a spirit of compassion, joy, and generosity among all members of our school family.

Furthermore, instilling a sense of responsibility towards the marginalized segments of society was paramount. Echoing the sentiment that ‘Charity begins at home,’ we encouraged students to contribute groceries and stationery during the season of Lent, acknowledging the importance of nurturing empathy and compassion from a young age.

Drawing inspiration from biblical teachings, particularly Hebrews 13:12, which highlights the notion of solidarity and empathy, we extended our outreach to the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing the unique needs of its elderly members. By sending essential supplies and expressing our unwavering support, we sought to alleviate their hardships and uphold their dignity.

Additionally, our efforts extended to the construction of a toilet-bathing facility for two impoverished widows in Thane village, which helped us address their basic needs for dignified living.

In essence, our endeavors exemplify the profound impact of extending compassion and inclusivity to those on the margins, embodying the timeless wisdom encapsulated in Matthew 25:40.

Elizabeth Jaya Rani, SCN
Source: https://nazareth.org/