Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP has welcomed funding for Surf Coast Secondary School students to get involved in community projects to gain valuable experience and skills, under the Andrews Labor Government’s $4.46 million Advance program.
Ms Tierney said Surf Coast Secondary College would receive funding for Advance, which aims to reduce the impact of disadvantage on achievement, strengthen resilience and reduce the number of young people leaving school between year nine and 12.
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 23,500 Victorian students took part, forming over 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 our community and the Labor Government is helping them develop their skills and make their voices heard.
Last year the Government consulted with thousands of young Victorians to help develop its new youth policy, which will be announced in 2016.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP:
“Advance gives young people at Surf Coast Secondary School valuable leadership opportunities through community involvement.”
“I encourage young students 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 local economy.”
“We are making Victoria the Education State – this means giving secondary students the opportunity to get involved and help shape our community.”