A program supporting young people to volunteer in their local communities will again be rolled out to over 400 schools this year with a $4 million boost, forming part of the Victorian Government’s Respect Strategy.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said the Lorne P-12 College would receive up to $9,725 to help students in a range of volunteering and community projects as part of the Advance program.
“The Respect Strategy focuses on increasing respect within the Victorian community and encouraging more young people to volunteer,” Ms Tierney said.
“Advance promotes involvement in volunteering and youth-led projects and provides them with the opportunity to develop respect for themselves and respect for others.
“Young people work in areas or issues of concern to them with a local organisation on a project or activity to address those issues.
“Advance enables young people to develop an awareness and genuine concern for people in their communities and learn invaluable skills for their future.”
The Victorian Government has provided $18 million over four years for the school-based program that provides practical opportunities for young people to volunteer their time. The program is open to all Victorian Government secondary schools.
Youth Affairs Minister James Merlino said last year more than 14,000 young people were involved in more than 1800 partnerships with community groups and organisations as part of the Advance program.
“More than 56,000 students have taken part since 2004, volunteering in healthcare, training local sports teams, planting trees, life saving and much more,” Mr Merlino said.
“The Victorian Government is taking action to develop the skills of young Victorians, build on their strengths and improve the communities they live and work in.
“Through the program, schools and their students have the opportunity to make a real difference to their local area and form strong partnerships with a diverse range of community organisations.
“Young people can enjoy the personal satisfaction of getting active in their local communities, and at the same time develop the life skills they need.
“In the last five years students have taken part in more than 160 different types of recognised training courses across a wide range of fields to kick start them in their chosen careers.”