The Case for Continued NSCP Funding
In late 2006, the Federal Government began funding the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP), committing up to $165 million over three years to all Australian school communities to assist in the provision of chaplaincy services.
The NSCP has contributed significantly to increased chaplaincy numbers throughout Australian schools. Today, there are almost 2,000 state schools with a chaplain.
However, to date about 65% of state schools still do not have access to a school chaplain, and there is a growing call for school chaplaincy services to be made available to far more school communities.
NSCA members present the following statements on the case for continued NSCP funding.
“Principals consistently tell me that having a chaplain makes a very significant difference to the sense of well-being in their school. We know from our own networks that significant numbers of additional principals are keen to appoint a chaplain if there is more funding. We know that chaplains in highly diverse school communities are a positive influence for social inclusion. Federal chaplaincy funding is a relatively small outlay for far reaching support and encouragement for school communities in challenging times.”
Rev Peter Robinson, CEO,GenR8 Ministries, NSW
“It’s a no brainer… We’ve been attempting to educate our kids in a spiritual vacuum and that doesn’t work well because spirituality, a sense of “the other”, is an acknowledged part of life for the vast majority of Australians. School chaplaincy provides support for the spiritual side of life in a school community in a positive and inclusive way. It also provides far more than that in making a unique and highly valuable contribution to the support services which are offered to students, families and staff – and all for a breathtakingly small fiscal investment by the government.”
Ruth Pinkerton, State Director, SU Tasmania
“This is one of the most successful programs introduced in schools in recent times. Who says: School principals, teachers, parents and most importantly, the young people in our schools. Its vitally important that this program not only continues but expands into those schools who are demanding the unique role played by school chaplains.”
Tim Mander, CEO, SU Qld
“School Chaplains are positive adult role models, who provide care, support, skill development, hope and values to children and young people throughout Australia.
The school Chaplaincy program is helping to positively support and transform school communities, local and wider community.
With the support of the Federal Government, positive partnerships have been formed with many different community services that together assist in the wellbeing of people. With the Government’s financial help towards the Chaplaincy program it has been possible to provide a positive presence in many Indigenous and isolated rural communities.Without this important Government partnership thousands of young people would struggle to find purpose value and hope in their lives.”
Haydn Lush, Director, Schools Ministry Group, SA
“ACCESS ministries warmly affirms the Australian Federal Government’s funding of the National School Chaplaincy Program, and urges the Federal Government to make this vital scheme a priority recipient of ongoing funding.
The National School Chaplaincy Program has allowed students at even remote and isolated schools to experience the benefit of a chaplain in their schools. This funding has been indeed invaluable to the support of school students across Victoria. The need to continue this vital service to the children and youth of our nation cannot be underestimated.”
Rev Dr Evonne Paddison, CEO, ACCESS ministries
“The placement of chaplains in schools has provided the opportunity to address a number of the real needs experienced by children and young people in Australian communities. Chaplains have provided a ‘value added’ component to schools’ pastoral care, in a holistic manner. School communities – including families and staff – have expressed benefits from the presence of chaplaincy. It has been acknowledged that this unique contribution could not be provided via other strategies. Those students who are in most need, and most vulnerable, would suffer in their education and personal development were chaplaincy to be removed.”