A FRANKSTON primary school teacher says it is a privilege spending her holidays helping build schools in developing countries – something she has done regularly over the past decade.
So committed is Ivey Panicker that she has created a not-for-profit organisation called Heart for Mission to further her work.
The Christian mission fund helps and supports individuals and communities around the world to “overcome poverty and inspire hope for the future”.
“Our vision is to connect and engage people across cultures to collaborate in building a just, caring, sustainable and peaceful world,” said the teacher from Karingal Montessori School.
“We are genuinely committed to helping people, inspiring change and making a difference.”
Her journey includes assisting at Mother Teresa’s orphanage in India, which she described as “a very powerful experience”.
She has also been involved with more school building projects in South Africa, Uganda and Nicaragua.
Ms Panicker said it “was an honour to assist in building schools, children’s homes and other welfare facilities [in these countries] for all our lives to be enriched”.
“Some of the conditions are terrible and many of the situations are heartbreaking. The fact that these courageous young people are alive to tell their stories is a miracle in itself,” she said.
“Yet I have witnessed that, in places of sadness, loneliness, traumas and suffering, there is great richness, wisdom, joy and gratitude.”
Ms Panicker is an Oz Child volunteer and children’s mentor with Anglicare.
She coordinates the Children’s Ministry program at St Francis Xavier church in Frankston. Her teaching experience in Australia includes special education in Newcastle and Sydney, at a one-teacher school house with 12 prep-grade 6 pupils at Warracknabeal, and at an immigrant and refugee school in Frankston.
She regularly visits and assists with literacy programs in Northern Territory Aboriginal communities.
“Every child in every part of the world is precious and valued and has the potential to do amazing things,” she said.
“There is a plan and purpose for each one of them. We are called on to not be distracted by material wealth but to remember the poor, the orphans and widows, to take care of them and love them unconditionally.”
She described Heart for Mission as a lifelong calling and long-term vocation. “I am committed to pursuing it wholeheartedly. My hope is to welcome people to be a part of this journey by connecting with communities around the world.
“We will be supporting missionaries, celebrating cultures, embracing and sharing gifts, cultivating relationships, caring for children and experiencing God’s love.
“We will be encouraging and praying for one another, helping people, inspiring change and making a difference.”
She invited those interested in the project to visit heartformission.org
The website says Heart for Mission Inc. is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) and is incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act (2012).
