AV Students Supporting the Local Community

Last week, Grade 12 students from AMADEUS handed out 300 masks to people in need. The charity was a result of a Legacy Project that the students signed up to outside of the curriculum with the aim of supporting locals during COVID-19.

The Grade 12 students at AMADEUS Vienna have handed in their last graded assignments and finished their CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) programme. However, this does not stop them from being active in helping the local community and showing their kindness.

After the outbreak of the COVID-19, the students decided to contribute to making a change. Working from distance requires a lot of coordination and communication. To optimize the process, the students divided into project groups within Leadership and Implementation, Finances, Public Relations, and Publications.

Handing out Masks to Shelters

After brainstorming a lot of ideas, the students decided to help vulnerable people during the COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, they distributed 300 washable fabric masks in two Caritas shelters in Vienna; one for children and teenagers and one for adults, as well as to the VinziRast soup kitchen and shelter. Additionally, the students created their own pamphlets to explain the appropriate use of face masks, containing instructions in five languages.

I talked to a volunteer and asked her about her experience and the work that they do on a day to day basis. It was really inspiring and it definitely highlighted the importance of supporting organizations like the Caritas.” – Grade 12 Student

The project is one of several of AMADEUS’ involvements with Vinzirast and Caritas. Read the story about our AV soup-a-stars who cooked dinner at Vinizirast earlier this year, or our Winter Wonderland Charity Event where the proceeds were donated to Young Caritas.

Supporting Employment

The Grade 12 students’ project does not only support people in the shelters. The students bought the masks from the Austrian non-profit organization, 4EverYoung, which offers personal development courses and coaching. 4ever Young runs employment projects through and creates sustainable jobs, because “ … everyone has the right to a meaningful occupation..”. The organization’s didactic approach is unique, and they support their community at large, reaching out to teenagers and seniors alike.

Thus, by ordering masks from this meaningful organization, our Grade 12 students also support employment in a period of economic withdrawal.

Thank you to Grade students and teachers for making this happen, and a special thanks to teacher Mrs Melanie Pages for leading the project.

This is Educational Distinction!