CAFOD
CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) is the main charity that as a school we support.
CAFOD's Values
At CAFOD, our mission is to work alongside the world’s poorest people. We work without prejudice, we don’t preach, and we pride ourselves on our diversity. We believe our Catholic values are best shown through our love for others, and by working for justice and an end to poverty.
CAFOD’s vision, mission and values draw directly from Catholic Social Teaching (CST), Scripture, Liturgy, the Gospel and the tradition of the Church. Catholic Social Teaching is at the heart of what we do and who we are.
Over the last five years at CAFOD we have been particularly inspired by Pope Francis' encyclical letter Laudato Si' and its call for us all to respond to both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.
We have looked again at what progress really means, in dialogue with partners from around the world. We know that everything is interconnected. We believe that we are called by our faith to stand alongside poor communities and care for God's creation. And our response is rooted in this belief. "Love, overflowing with small gestures of mutual care, is also civic and political, and it makes itself felt in every action that seeks to build a better world" (Laudato Si' 231).
As well as asking our supporters to donate and campaign, we place equal importance on prayer. Prayer informs and underpins our work. We provide prayers and reflections for our supporters and use prayer for our own guidance and inspiration.
CAFOD Campaign Visit to Westminster – Student Report
On Tuesday 17th March, a group of Year 10 students from Ursuline College had the privilege of visiting the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in Westminster as part of their involvement in CAFOD’s global debt campaign.
This opportunity followed several months of student-led advocacy within school, where students raised awareness of the issue of international debt, delivered presentations to their peers that was created on a Social Justice Day with St. Edmund's and St. Anselm's, and organised a petition to gather support from the wider student body. Their commitment and leadership led to an invitation from CAFOD to represent the campaign at a national level.
In preparation for the visit, students were supported by the school’s Headteacher, Miss Lancefield, who met with the group to share her expertise in public speaking. This guidance proved invaluable in helping students to develop confidence and present effectively in a formal setting.
During the visit, students met with senior civil servants working within the FCDO, gaining a valuable insight into how government departments engage with global issues and policy development. Although the Rt Honourable Baroness Chapman was unavailable on the day, students were given a meaningful and authentic experience through their interaction with those working closely within the department.
A highlight of the visit was the students’ formal presentation, where they confidently articulated their understanding of the global debt crisis and explained why the issue matters to them. They spoke about the impact of debt on developing countries, particularly in relation to access to healthcare, education and essential resources, and demonstrated a strong awareness of the principles of justice, dignity and the common good rooted in Catholic Social Teaching.
Students also gained a deeper understanding of the complexity of international debt at a policy level. They learned that the UK Government previously participated in large-scale debt cancellation initiatives around the year 2000, alongside other wealthy nations, as part of the Make Poverty History campaign. However, they were also made aware that the UK continues to contribute approximately £200 million per year from its aid budget towards servicing this debt to institutions such as the World Bank, with commitments expected to continue until around 2045.
Students were particularly struck by the challenges involved in reforming the global financial system, including the difficulty of regulating private lenders and restricting interest, which was explained as a complex process that can take many years to achieve.
In addition, students benefited from a careers-focused discussion, where civil servants spoke about the wide range of roles available within the Civil Service. Students learned about the different pathways into these careers, including apprenticeships and graduate routes, helping them to see how they could pursue future opportunities within government and public service.
One student reflected that it was “interesting to find out the jobs the civil servants do with government aid,” highlighting the impact of this careers insight.
Students also had the opportunity to take part in the creation of video content for CAFOD’s social media platforms, sharing their reflections on the campaign and their experience of engaging with decision-makers. A short video capturing their journey and reflections can be viewed here: https://youtube.com/shorts/SUp8bzC2aig?feature=shared
Another student commented that the day was “eventful from seeing and being inside government buildings and seeing 10 Downing Street and Big Ben — it was incredible,” demonstrating the significance of the experience.
A further student shared that “it was exciting to represent the school and CAFOD in government,” reflecting the pride students felt in contributing to the campaign.
As part of the visit, students were given a brief tour of the surrounding Westminster area, including views of 10 Downing Street and key government buildings, further contextualising their learning and helping them to understand how democratic institutions operate in practice.
Throughout the day, students demonstrated exceptional behaviour, maturity and professionalism. They represented Ursuline College with confidence and integrity and were a credit to both the school and the wider Trust.
This visit provided a powerful example of young people engaging meaningfully with issues of global importance, applying their learning beyond the classroom and recognising their ability to influence change. It reflects the school’s commitment to developing students who are informed, compassionate and active global citizens.