Program an Advance for students

CASEY schools are being encouraged to take up a new program that enables young people to contribute to their local communities.
The project is dubbed Advance and schools can apply for funding from the State Government to help deliver the program to students.
Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley said Advance offered many opportunities to both the student involved and the local community.
“It encourages students to develop partnerships with local organisations and work on projects that help to build and strengthen their community,” Ms Graley said.
Eumemmerring College Fountain Gate campus has introduced the program this year with fantastic results.
Coordinating teacher Steven Kehayas said: “The Advance program takes students out of their comfort zones by presenting them with new challenges. At the same time it helps them to form new friendships, which is also very positive.”
He said students at the college had been doing team-building activities and planning various events including programs that linked in with local primary schools.
They had also participated in outdoor camps, the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and various other personal development activities, he said.
Eumemmerring College student Casey Klose said the program helped build character, with the camps being a highlight.
“We learnt lots of new skills along the way, like map reading, which I couldn’t do before,” Casey said.
Funding is now available to government secondary schools wanting to deliver the Advance program.
Expressions of interest for 2008 can be submitted online through the Victorian government grants website at www.grants.dvc.vic.gov.au until 28 December.
For more information about the program contact 1300 366 356.