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How did school students support those in need during the war years?
How did school students support those in need during the war years?
Learning intention – We are examining primary sources to find out about the past.
Success criteria – We can state ways that the schools supported children in need. We can infer meanings of symbols and emblems.
Fundraising
Fundraising
Throughout the First World War schools responded rapidly to calls for fundraising and the collection of items for those in need. Items collected included clothing and food for French orphans, sheeting for bandages, muslin for dressings, sand bags and scrap metal.
Many funds were established in the early months of WW1 and the Department of Public Instruction advised schools to select just one particular fund. Fundraising contributions were listed in the education gazettes and fundraising activities were also published, spreading ideas and encouraging participation.
Women Teachers' War Movement, 1915
One early campaign was the Women Teachers’ War Movement, which, in April 1915, presented bank drafts for the purchase of a motor ambulance and travelling kitchen.
Subscriptions for War Funds - advising schools to select one war fund. The Public Instruction Gazette, 1 Feb 1915, p.34
Patriotic Funds and Red Cross Society - listing schools and funds raised. The Public Instruction Gazette, 1 Feb 1915, p.45
Children's Ten Thousand Fund, 1915
Children's Ten Thousand Fund, 1915
In the lead-up to Empire Day 24th May 1915, NSW public schools were urged to raise funds for the Belgian orphans through the Children’s Ten Thousand Fund. The Minister of Public Instruction encouraged each child to donate a shilling with the aim of raising £10 000. The NSW school children raised £29 500 - an incredible effort for the time!
Each school that raised the equivalent of one shilling per enrolment received a certificate and the top 100 schools received a beautifully ‘illuminated’ (coloured) certificate acknowledging their contribution.
The Children’s Ten Thousand certificate awarded to Coopernook Public School, 1915 for raising 11 pounds and 12 shillings. (One pound was equal to 20 shillings.) The Latin words under the lamb say 'Lux in tenebris', meaning 'light in darkness'. The words in red around the shield say Department of Public Instruction New South Wales. NSW Schoolhouse Museum of Public Education collection
The Children's Ten Thousand
The Children's Ten Thousand
To the hundred schools that raise the greatest amount in proportion to the actual enrolment on May 24th, a special illuminated certificate signed by the Minister for Public Instruction, the Director of Education, and on behalf of the Belgian Children, by the Belgian Consul, will be given. These special certificates will in reality be an Honour Award that will be looked upon with pride by future pupils, as showing what the boys and girls attending school on the 24th May, 1915, had proved themselves capable of doing on behalf of the children of their brave Ally.
Nepean Times, 22 May, 1915, p.45. On Trove.
Belgian Children's Fund - Consul's letter Appreciation thanking the school children and teachers of New South Wales "for the kind feeling and human sympathy wheich prompted such a generous response". The Education Gazette, 1 Sept 1915, p.251
French-Australian League of Help, 1917
French-Australian League of Help, 1917
Empathising with the war-affected French children, NSW school children donated food, made clothing, grew vegetables and held concerts and gala days to fundraise for them.
Photographs and letters of appreciation were published in The School Magazine for NSW school children to read.
Letter of appreciation
Letter of appreciation
"Dear and noble children,
It is my little Jean who is to put on the shirt you have made, and he does love though he knows you not. He is four, and a brother of his is seven. They have both seen the war for it separated them from their father. How they trembled when the shells brought ruin to the village and set the houses on fire! What have they not endured?"
The School Magazine, Part 2, 1 May 1917, p. 58
The French-Australian League of Help - French orphans partaking of food sent from New South Wales. The School Magazine, Part 2, 1 May 1917, p. 57
The French-Australian League of Help - French orphans wearing the clothes sent to them from New South Wales. The School Magazine, Part 2, 1 May 1917, p. 58
Activity
Activity
Examine the symbolism used on the Children's Ten Thousand certificate.
What two flags are shown?
What is the symbolism of the crown?
What does the bright yellow behind the flags and crown symbolise?
Why have the Latin words meaning 'light and darkness' and the image of the lamp been included?
What does the leaf border remind you of?
What does a laurel wreath symbolise?
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