St Ignatius Day inspires Australians to put "one foot raised" for children in India

Home > News > St Ignatius Day inspires Australians to put “one foot raised” for children in India

St Ignatius Day inspires Australians to put “one foot raised” for children in India

3 August 2026

As Jesuits around the world celebrate the Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola on Friday 31 July, Australians are being invited to walk in solidarity with children in Hazaribag, India, through Jesuit Mission Australia’s One Foot Raised challenge.

Inspired by St Ignatius’ invitation to always keep “one foot raised”, ready to respond to the needs of others, the 30 day fundraising challenge encourages participants to walk 7.5km, 15km, 25km or 75km while raising funds to support students at Tenuahi School in Hazaribag, India.

Soni

One of those students is 14-year-old Soni, who lost her father when she was very young. Since then, her mother has worked tirelessly to support the family despite ongoing financial hardship.

Like many children in remote tribal communities, Soni’s opportunities were limited. Today, thanks to the support of Jesuit Mission’s local Jesuit partners, she enjoys studying Hindi, English and Mathematics, takes part in sport, dance and singing, and looks forward to coming to school each day.

“I love coming to school every day and taking part in everything the school offers,” she says. “After completing my education, I want to become an engineer so that I can serve my country.”

“I love coming to school every day. I want to become an engineer so that I can serve my country.”
Soni

Confidence, discipline and motivation

Tenuahi School currently educates nearly 300 students, providing children from disadvantaged tribal families with access to quality education in a safe and supportive environment.

“The project gives children from disadvantaged tribal families a quality education, practical skills and values,” he says. “Students become more confident, disciplined and motivated to continue their education, making school a source of hope and opportunity for the local community,” says Hazaribag Jesuit Fr Amit Toppo SJ.

A teacher writing on a mobile blackboard while a student takes notes. The class is outside in the sunshine — While the school continues to grow, students and teachers embrace every opportunity to learn, including outdoor classes.

One foot raised

“St Ignatius encouraged us to always keep ‘one foot raised’, ready to respond to the needs of others,” said Jesuit Mission Australia CEO Helen Forde.

“One Foot Raised is an invitation to put that spirit into action. Every kilometre walked and every dollar raised helps local Jesuit partners accompany children like Soni with the education, confidence and opportunities they deserve.”

As Jesuit Mission Australia celebrates 75 years of mission, One Foot Raised is aiming to raise $75,000 in support of students at Tenuahi School. Every kilometre walked and every dollar raised will help local Jesuit partners continue providing quality education for children in Hazaribag.

The Jesuit Mission team outside the office before their epic walk across the Sydney harbour bridge

The Jesuit Mission and Cardoner teams walking across the Sydney harbour bridge

To mark the Feast of St Ignatius, the Jesuit Mission Australia team walked through North Sydney and across the Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of the One Foot Raised challenge. Joined by companions from The Cardoner Network, the walk was held in solidarity with students at Tenuahi School in Hazaribag, India.

Walk alongside with One Foot Raised

One Foot Raised is open throughout the year, with Jesuit schools including John XXIII College, St Aloysius’ College, Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview Regis, and Saint Ignatius College Geelong already taking part. Individuals, parishes and communities are also encouraged to sign up and walk in solidarity with students like Soni.