Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Shaun Leane today visited the Mountain District Learning Centre (MDLC), a Learn Local organisation in Ferntree Gully, to tour the site and meet staff.
MDLC, which has been running for more than 40 years, offers many learning opportunities to the local community. Among programs offered are VCE and VCAL, including at Foundation Level, pre-accredited and accredited training.
In 2014, more than 400 learners studied at MDLC including 100 school aged students who, for various reasons, are disengaged from school.
MDLC received close to $800,000 in 2014 in funding from the Victorian Government to support pre-accredited and accredited training and has received over $500,000 to date in 2015.
The MDLC has also received more than $150,000 in the past two rounds of the Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board’s Capacity and Innovation Fund Grants to support adult literacy and for the establishment of a Community of Practice, enabling practitioners to share their skills and knowledge and mentor new vocational education and training tutors.
Mr Merlino said that many of MDLC’s young students would benefit from the Andrews Labor Government’s new $8.6 million Navigator Program.
The Program is one initiative as part of the Labor Government’s plans for the Education State. It will provide direct support to disengaged young people, to help them overcome barriers to learning and successfully re-engage with an education or training pathway.
Mr Merlino also visited Knox Central Primary School which will receive $36,490 in equity funding next year, up from $26,125 this year.
This increase is part of the Labor Government’s Education State commitment to provide an extra $566 million to help schools and students most in need to break the cycle of disadvantage.
The 2015-16 Victorian Budget invests almost $4 billion in Victoria’s education and skills system – representing the single biggest boost to education funding in Victoria’s history.
The Budget provides $325 million to renovate, refurbish or rebuild 67 schools. It will fund the first stage of an extensive asbestos removal program so that families can be assured their children are being educated in safe schools.
It also includes $180 million for programs that will help families cover the extra costs of education, like camps, excursions and uniforms, so no child misses out.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
"School and training providers in Knox are great examples of how Victorian children and learners of all ages are being supported to reach their full potential."
"Many of MDLC’s younger students will benefit from our Navigator Program which will be a hands on, proactive service, responsible for improving educational outcomes for disengaged young people."
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan, Shaun Leane
"I commend Knox Central Principal Charles Spicer and MDLC Centre Manager Janet Claringbold and all the teachers, tutors and support staff for their commitment to their students and families."
Reviewed 19 August 2020