Caritas promotes authentic human development. This means development of the whole person. It provides for their economic, cultural, political, social and spiritual wellbeing.

What exactly is YCC Day?

The letters remind us of the purpose:

YCC Day is the day when Caritas combines with Catholic schools across New Zealand as together we stand in solidarity for a good cause and raise funds and awareness for a selected focus school.

Save the Date

Friday, 3 July 2026

Mark this date in your school calendar and join young Catholics across New Zealand in coming together for a good cause. Have fun wearing non-uniform for the small cost of a gold coin donation. Together, we can make a lasting difference for a school that lacks the same opportunities and privileges we enjoy.

Watch the YCC Day 2026 Promo Video

Get your students excited and ready to take action! Our special YCC Day 2026 promo video brings the energy — funky music, heart-warming stories, and everything your tamariki need to get behind this year's purpose. Hit play, turn it up, and get ready to make a difference together!

How to Take Part

Getting involved in YCC Day is simple! Here's all you need to do:

Mark your date — Save Friday 3 July in your school calendar, or choose any date that works for your community before the end of the year.

Watch the video — Kick off the excitement by watching our YCC Day 2026 promo video with your class and get everyone fired up!

Download your poster — Print and display the YCC Day poster around your school to build buzz and inspire your tamariki.

Use the classroom resources — Choose from our four learning resources to bring the story of Takuilau College to life in your classroom.

Collect gold coin donations — Invite students to come in non-uniform for a small gold coin donation on the day.

YCC Day 2026 Focus School

Supporting Takuilau College in Tonga

Helping to provide much needed resources and facility improvements to their music room.

We will help by providing musical equipment, chairs, printers and other resources. This room will provide students with the space to practise and bring music to life. By joining schools across Aotearoa and donating a gold coin, you’ll be standing in solidarity with those in need.

Resources & Materials

These resources have been created to help students learn more about what life is like for young people in Tonga, and some of the challenges they face every day.

Through this learning, students will discover how their support and actions can make a real difference in the lives of others.

Feel free to use any or all of these resources in your classroom learning programme to inspire reflection, empathy, and meaningful action.

Use the Activities

YCC Day 2026 – Information Slideshow:

A great starting point to understand what YCC Day is all about, who we supported in 2025, who we are supporting in 2026, and the challenge we’re taking on together!

YCC Day 2026 – Student Activities: Focus 1: Life in Tonga:

Set the scene. Explore the geography, culture, and everyday rhythms of life in Tonga – from food and faith to the very real environmental challenges their communities face, and what it means to stand in solidarity with them.

YCC Day 2026 – Student Activities: Focus 2: Takuilau College, Tonga:

Zoom in. Discover what makes Takuilau College unique — its values, its community, and why their music room matters so much to the students and staff who call it home.

YCC Day 2026 – Student Activities: Focus 3: Meet Two Students:

Get personal. Journey to Tonga through the eyes of two Takuilau College students — their daily routines, their challenges, and their hopes for the future. A reminder of the real people behind our fundraising.

YCC Day 2026 Poster

The YCC Day 2026 poster, featuring Takuilau College in Tonga, is now ready for download! This poster aims to inspire students across Aotearoa to take action.

Download the Poster: Click on the image to download your copy

Need Help? Contact the Caritas Education Team at education@caritas.org.nz.

Every Coin Counts

Join us in making a difference through faith, action, and love. What feels like a small gesture here in Aotearoa can create lasting change for a community far away — because every coin truly counts.

"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." — Matthew 25:40

We'd love to celebrate what your school gets up to! Share your photos, stories, and highlights with us so we can feature your community on our CANZ Education Facebook page.

Send your photos and updates to: education@caritas.org.nz