Every Victorian government secondary school student will learn firsthand from our nation’s Vietnam veterans, under plans to improve and extend teaching of the war from a re-elected Andrews Labor Government.
As part of the changes, announced on Vietnam Veterans Day, Labor will help every single government secondary school in Victoria host a guest speaker from the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia (VVAA).
This gives students the opportunity to learn directly from those who have served our nation, and to experience their courage and dignity firsthand.
Leaving no costs to schools, a re-elected Labor Government will cover speaking fees and travel expenses for participating veterans.
In 2016, the Andrews Labor Government introduced new curriculum materials to help teachers and students learn more about the Vietnam War.
Now, as part of the re-elected Labor Government’s changes, the testimonies of veterans visiting our schools will be recorded and then used to inform future resources for students.
These resources, capturing our veterans’ personal stories, will make sure our next generation are learning about the Vietnam War, and its ongoing impact upon the men and women who served.
The new speaking program will be pitched at students in Years 9 and 10.
This announcement builds on the Labor Government’s $1 million toward the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan and the Vietnam War, establishing a Vietnam War History Competition for Victorian students, and a $250,000 upgrade of the National Vietnam Veterans Museum at Phillip Island.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“This is about putting a human face to that very real tragedy.”
“By giving students the opportunity to meet some of our Vietnam veterans, the next generation can experience their remarkable dignity and courage firsthand.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans’ Affairs John Eren
“We should never forget our veterans’ service and sacrifice.”
“This investment will make sure the next generation of Victorians carry on the legacy of the Vietnam War and its pivotal role in our nation’s history.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020