The Society of St Vincent de Paul has been engaging with young people and education since its earliest days. Today, the SVP of England and Wales is pleased to highlight its continuing strong links with young people, through the development of its new 'Mini Vinnies' programme - a ground-breaking Primary Schools initiative, based on good work done in Australia, piloted in the Diocese of Shrewsbury, and which is seen as having, "the potential to significantly contribute to the future of our Society."
'Mini Vinnies' are children aged between 7 to 11 (or younger) who, with the permission of their parents and the support of their Schools, are encouraged to embark on their first steps as possible 'Vincentians for life'. As Mini Vinnies, the youngsters have their own 'treasured' Prayer, Pledge and Badge, a dedicated website and a range of bright and colourful documents which guide them in their formative steps - helping and enabling them to become in every sense, young Vincentians - or 'Mini Vinnies'.
At Sacred Heart, our Mini Vinnies are a small but effective team from each class across school.
The team live the school's ethos statement, Together, We Learn and Grow in God's Love, and they work in school to raise funds and awareness for local charities. They hold weekly meetings where they plan and discuss how they can lead the way for other children to live by the example of Jesus through their actions and words.
Useful Links:
Mini Vinnies main website
St George's Crypt website
St Vincent de Paul website
Our Mini-Vinnies wrote our unique Sacred Heart School Prayer, encompassing our school values.