School chaplains genuinely make a difference in regional schools, for students, teachers and parentsThe good thingsYouthCARE employees genuinely love God and care for school students. Chaplains are a valued resource that make a difference to the lives of many, particularly those who are lonely and suffering. A chaplain's care can change lives. It was a pleasure to witness God show up, something shift, a trouble dropped and a person becoming still, centred, at peace and smiling.
The challengesFrom my experiences, I consider that Youthcare could improve its communication, policies and transparency. The organisation appears to consider that work in the regions is the same as work in the Metro, that one size fits all. It doesn't; the Wheatbelt communities have unique challenges based on the distance people have to travel for services; harvest (Sep to Jan) and the heat. The organisation operates in a commercial world however there's currently an expectation for chaplains to use their own time and resources to fulfil their role.