Thousands of Victorian secondary school students in more than 420 government schools will get involved in projects in their local community to gain valuable experience and skills, as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $4.46 million Advance program.
Advance is helping make Victoria the Education State by reducing the impact of disadvantage on achievement, strengthening resilience and reducing the number of young people leaving school between year nine and 12.
Visiting Collingwood College’s main campus today, Deputy Premier James Merlino joined Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos to speak with students about their Advance program.
A community garden project partnering with a number of local organisations, including Yarra council, and an environmental art project involving conservation along the Main Yarra Trail were among the projects students at that school undertook last year.
The Advance program engages students in education by helping them participate in recognised training courses and community projects that develop their communication, project management and teamwork skills.
Last year more than 22,500 students took part, forming more than 2,000 community partnerships in disciplines including animal welfare, culture, conservation, emergency services, events, human rights, sport and recreation and community service.
Participating schools report that the program helps young people lead healthy, active and diverse cultural lives, teaches them about safe life choices and behaviours, identifies career pathways, opens up mentoring opportunities and re-engages them in education and employment opportunities.
Young Victorians have a valuable contribution to make in their local communities and the Labor Government is helping them develop their skills and make their voices heard.
Quotes attributable to the Deputy Premier James Merlino
“Advance gives young Victorians valuable leadership opportunities through community involvement.”
“We are making Victoria the Education State – this means giving young Victorians the opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience and help shape their communities.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos
“I encourage young Victorians to get involved, make connections in their local community and gain valuable experience and skills that will help them get a job and strengthen our economy.”
“Victorian communities will greatly benefit from thousands of Victorian students helping with local projects.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020