In 2019 Caroline, Juliette, Kezia and Sharon visited the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) as part of their overseas experience with CAFOD during their Step into the Gap placement. On their return the group shared their experiences with over 9,000 people across the country who otherwise would not know about the issues in the Holy Land.
They have shared workshops in schools encouraging how a change of approach around the world can bring about solidarity and peace. They have supported young people to write their own messages of peace and developed a photo project, to encourage staff, volunteers and students to share a message of solidarity. Caroline also organised a fundraiser during Lent, running 5k every day for 40 days, clocking up the distance of the wall that separates the two territories in the West Bank.
The groups nominator said, “The group share the work that they do because of their faith. The realise that Jesus in the Bible calls for us all to be peacemakers and whilst they realised they can't drastically change and improve the lives of the people they met in the Holy Land, they can put their faith into action by sharing the stories of the people they met and raising awareness of the lack of peace in the area in the hope that others will also raise awareness.”
Caroline Collins (22), Juliette Bone (24), Kezia Harrow (19), and Sharon Weerasuriya (20)
CAFOD, Step into the Gap