We Have What We Need Within!

The story about Justin Appelbee in Perth and his great endeavours which saved the lives of his family members at sea. He is a 13 year old boy and a minor! It was beautiful and inspiring to listen to his mother and to Justin and to see what one can do when under pressure to save loved ones, swimming and running distances normally beyond a young man's capacity.

Formal education is wonderful as it has the power to gently unravel what is within each one. It can do so gracefully, incrementally and in a manner that provides a safe and differentiated scaffolding throughout. We have education well-structured now from pre-school to third level and beyond with the miracle of the human mind recognised as having all, corporately, to continue to add to our world and resources.

Most who were born before the introduction of free secondary education in 1967 completed education in what was called 7th class and on completion of the Primary Certificate at the age of 13 or 14. They usually left school to take up work here and abroad or to work on family farms or businesses. These people built the foundation of life, home and country which we now enjoy. Many had skills that have since faded and were extremely resourceful. They had a can-do attitude which when connected with the same attitude of each within the local community were able to progress and develop structures as appropriate to the times.

If we can draw lessons from our fore-mothers and fathers alongside the great achievement of Justin Appelbee, it is that we can all do greater things that we could ever imagine when the chips are down. Our children and young people have much more within them inherently than standardised tests can determine and we can cope with lots more than many are permitted to do. One does not suddenly arrive at adulthood in one day - that journey unfolds from the moment of birth.

While formal education is wonderful, there can be a belief that all that children and young people need will be poured into them in the schooling years! Yes, a certain amount of resources are needed from which young people can draw, but it is also important to enable them to have a can-do attitude to face the challenges that present for them each day. They can each do much more for themselves and for others than most are credited. The everyday opportunities and challenges are the steps that are needed to climb, in order to be become the Justin Appelbees of this world! Each of us is a Justin Appelbee that may yet be sleeping, stirring or wide awake!

In times when most of our news is hard stuff to take, it is wonderful to hear a story that puts a wide smile on one's face and offers true human inspiration. It's also inspiring to hear a story that makes us all realise that nothing short of our daily best is good enough if we are to make the most of the gift of our short lives!

Cathy Burke
Catechist in the Lucan Partnership of Parishes