Since taking the Oasis cause to heart, Sydney private boys school Scots College has been a significant supporter. The school raised $14,000 through the Harbour Bridge Run (the highest of any team); developed a unit of school work around The Oasis documentary with lessons linking straight to social justice; hosted a forum with other schools; and renamed the annual rugby game between Scots and Cranbrook ‘The Oasis Cup’, raising $4000 on the day in 2009.
“The important thing is getting the boys to understand that it’s personal, not just financial,” says senior school teacher, Andrew Potter, who is proactive in getting his students involved in the Oasis cause. "It’s a privilege to work in a school like this with these boys but if we can give them an understanding of social justice, then it doesn’t matter what privilege they come from, it’s the difference they can make. We are very passionate about that, especially about boys making a difference when they leave the college. It’s important not to make glib statements about wanting to help, but actually making it happen."
16-year-old Nick Johnston heeded the call to action by getting creative and writing a song about youth homelessness which he has performed in various forums. "Sometimes music is a good way to get a message across when you cant get it across any other way," he muses. "So hopefully my song might inspire some people to donate and help."
Initially it was the statistics that got Nick fired up. “What really struck me was when I found out the sheer number of young people who are out on the street every day, every night. I had no idea about that. And without some help those kids aren’t going to get anywhere. We all have to do something.”
Fellow classmate Andrew Muston, also 16, was so moved by The Oasis documentary he donated a large chunk of his personal savings to the cause. “I’d saved up a quite bit and I didn’t need or want anything so I put it forward for Oasis,” he explains. “I can see the city each night from my house and it’s pretty to heavy to think that all goes on and you don’t really notice it.”
Andrew’s commitment doesn’t end with the donation. He is resolute that post schooling, he will work in social justice. "When I’m older I don’t really want to be a business man. I’d rather do something more down to earth, something that makes a difference rather than gives me a big bank account."
