Tools and trades expertise sought for local schools

Do you have spare tools or trade skills that you’d like to share with a young person?

Then the Hands On Learning (HOL) teams at three local schools would love to hear from you.

A partnership between the City of Whittlesea and philanthropy has made it possible for the three local schools to introduce the innovative education program HOL and support the different ways young people learn and engage at school.

Students at The Lakes South Morang P-9 School, Epping Secondary College and Whittlesea Secondary College are undertaking building projects around their schools including renovating existing buildings, carpentry, paving and garden bed restoration.

Youth workers from the City of Whittlesea are working alongside HOL artisan-teachers with the support of a three year funding package led by Gandel Foundation and the Ian Potter Foundation.

“All young people deserve the chance to excel in everything they do. HOL provides more opportunities for kids to achieve at school – building the self-esteem, motivation and attendance that leads to greater education and life outcomes,” Vedran Drakulic, CEO of Gandel Foundation said.

Mayor Cr Mary Lalios says it’s no coincidence that this progressive initiative to support young people is taking place in the City of Whittlesea, a significant growth corridor with huge population increases projected over the next 20 years.

“With a high youth unemployment rate, it’s imperative that we prevent young people in our municipality from falling through the cracks by keeping them engaged at school and supporting them to learn in a way that works for them.”

All three schools are already reporting increases in engagement at school since the HOL program began in Term 3.

“Real life, purposeful learning keeps students coming to school. It helps build the 21st Century job skills and abilities young people will need – problem solving, creativity, and interpersonal skills,” Kerrie Heenan, Principal of The Lakes South Morang said.

This partnership was instigated by the Whittlesea Youth Commitment, an initiative of the City of Whittlesea, RMIT and the Hume Whittlesea Local Learning and Employment Network and is supported by the Department of Education and Early Childhood’s School Focused Youth Service.

Please contact Youth Services at the City of Whittlesea 94048800 if you can help with donations of tools and materials or volunteer your time or trades expertise to support their efforts.

CONTACT: Lisa Vagg, Hands On Learning Australia 0422 600656

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