Education as a Bridge – Finding Freedom in Diversity and Community

METWELL

In 2024, Marist180 launched the METWELL program (Marist Exchange Two Way Education Life Learning) to build meaningful connections between young people from refugee and humanitarian backgrounds and students from Marist schools.

Through weekly academic and cultural discovery sessions, METWELL has grown into far more than just an education program. Powered by the collaboration between senior student volunteers and young people from refugee backgrounds, it has become a vibrant space for connection, learning, and mutual respect. METWELL breaks down stereotypes, builds bridges across cultural divides, and uses education as a shared platform for understanding, empowerment, and growth.

At its heart, METWELL is about creating a community where every young person feels seen, supported, and valued.

2025: Listening, Learning, and Growing Together

After a successful pilot in 2024, METWELL expanded in 2025 based on the reflections and feedback of students, volunteers, and staff. The program continues to evolve to meet the needs of the young people it supports—ensuring learning goes both ways..

In Term 1 at Parramatta Marist High School, seven students from the Unaccompanied Humanitarian Minors (UHM) program joined 15–20 Marist students to explore “The Importance of Kites in Afghan Society.” Through engaging discussions and collaborative activities, the group delved into the rich history and cultural symbolism of kites in Afghanistan, deepening their understanding of Afghan traditions and fostering meaningful cross-cultural connections.

The project culminated in a joyful and competitive kite-building event. While trophies and medals were awarded, the true reward was the sense of belonging and the relationships formed between students from different worlds. It was a powerful expression of this year’s Refugee Week theme: Finding Freedom – Diversity in Community.

Breaking Barriers, Building Belonging

METWELL is helping reshape how difference is perceived within schools and communities. Marist students are learning that diversity is not something to overcome—it’s something to embrace. Through shared projects, open dialogue, and mutual support, young people are growing into more compassionate, curious, and connected individuals.

The program reflects a key belief at the heart of Marist education: that transformation begins with relationship. When students work side by side with peers from different backgrounds, barriers fall, and stereotypes are replaced by real stories and shared experiences.

Term 2: Sharing Culture Through Food and Service

Over the course of this term, Parramatta Marist students and young people from refugee backgrounds came together in a powerful program that turned kitchens into classrooms and meals into moments of connection. Through shared cooking experiences, they didn’t just learn how to chop, stir, and plate—they learned how to listen, collaborate, and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our community.

This initiative, has been a living expression of this year’s Refugee Week theme: “Finding Freedom: Diversity in Australia.” Each session was a celebration of identity and resilience, where students exchanged not only recipes but stories, laughter, and understanding. From learning kitchen safety and nutrition to presenting dishes that reflected their heritage, participants discovered that food has the power to break down barriers and build lasting relationships. Together, they found freedom in friendship, and strength in diversity—proving that when we cook and create side by side, we nourish more than just our bodies—we nourish our future.

Looking Forward: Diversity as Strength

As we mark Refugee Week 2025, METWELL stands as a real-world example of how education can bring people together across divides. By focusing on collaboration, curiosity, and care, the program is unlocking new possibilities, not just for academic achievement, but for connection, trust, and transformation.

With the commitment of Marist schools and the openness of their students, METWELL is showing what it means to live out the theme of Finding Freedom in Diversity and Community. It’s not just a vision, it’s happening, week by week, conversation by conversation, and meal by shared meal.