From the classroom to the world—BCE students step up for Project Compassion

Over 500 students from across Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) came together for a powerful liturgy (Monday 16 February) which saw Archbishop Shane Mackinlay officially launch Project Compassion as we begin the Lent season. 

The launch, hosted by Caritas Australia, has ignited BCE’s 80,000 students, inspiring them to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges - poverty. 

So how are BCE students turning compassion into action this Project Compassion launch? Let’s find out.

Walk to Make a Difference

Stepping forward for Project Compassion in 2026 are the students from St Anthony’s Primary School, Kedron. 

Gearing up for their annual Walk to Make a Difference fundraiser, the event sees students carry buckets of water around their school to help raise much needed funds for millions living without clean water. 

St Anthony’s Primary School Principal Martin Wilkie said, “by carrying buckets of water while walking laps of their school, students are invited to step into someone else’s shoes and better understand the physical effort and challenge involved."

In 2025, students at St Anthony’s Primary School raised $5399 for Project Compassion thanks to their annual Walk to Make a Difference event. 

Other BCE schools who also take part in this important initiative annually include St Agatha’s School, Clayfield, St Ambrose’s Primary School, Newmarket, and Unity College, Caloundra. 

The spirit of compassion

Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Coorparoo Principal Warren Fields said, “the spirit of compassion is also seen across his school community”, noting the remarkable generosity shown last year when students and families came together to support Project Compassion.  

“Our families went above and beyond in their efforts in 2025,” he said. 

“A special congratulations goes to Isabella and Emilia, along with Scout, who together raised over $150, and to Mary, Mikey, and Louis, who raised over $600 for this life-changing initiative.

“Our student’s commitment to Project Compassion is an inspiring witness to their care for others, and a powerful reminder of how even our youngest students are shaping a more compassionate world.” 

A total of $ 3,665 was raised for Project Compassion by Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in 2025, with the school aiming to surpass this total in 2026! 

Global citizens who give back

Warren adds, “initiatives like Project Compassion teach our students about the importance of giving back”. 

“Last year, one of our Year 1 students, Mariella, asked for donations instead of birthday gifts in a bid to support families in need,” he said. 

“As a result, she raised $913 combined for Mater Little Miracles, Children’s Hospital Foundation, Paradise 4 Kids, and Make-A-Wish Australia. 

“Stories like this remind us that Catholic education takes the cake when it comes to forming compassionate, confident, and community-minded young people.” 

About Project Compassion

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s main annual fundraising campaign aimed at alleviating poverty and promoting justice for vulnerable communities.  Each year, it mobilises thousands of Australians during Lent to stand in solidarity with those in need, raising funds to support various initiatives.  

Find out how your school can get involved, click here. 

Image caption: Students from Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School, Springfield Lakes attend the launch of Project Compassion with Archbishop Shane Mackinlay. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2026).