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By Callan Date
MEMBERS of the Pakenham community gathered last Monday night to celebrate the success of the 25 local students enrolled in the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL).
The VCAL students involved in the program organised all proceedings throughout the night and treated guests to a gourmet dinner experience with help of reality television chef Michael Smith of My Restaurant Rules fame.
The Pakenham Salvation Army opened up its centre for the night with members of Pakenham police, Cardinia Shire Council, OzChild and Pakenham Secondary College also supporting the evening.
VCAL gives students the opportunity to continue learning in a specially designed environment that is tailored to their individual needs.
VCAL coordinator Brad Green said the program has been great for both the students involved and the local community who have supported the activities.
“The program is designed to develop practical work-related experience for the students and it also works on literacy and numeracy as well as the life skills that are essential for day-to-day interaction,” Mr Green said.
“Tonight is really a celebration of the great work these kids are doing and also a chance to treat their parents to a night out.”
The students take part in 12 months of applied learning and develop special activities that work in conjunction with community members and other organisations.