By KATH GANNAWAY
STUDENTS at Upper Yarra Community House’s Redwood and Cerini campuses are linked into an education adventure shared by students in 130 countries around the world.
At a special presentation in March, the students heard of the challenges they would encounter this year as they work towards a Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The Award is open to people between 14 and 25 and is based around individual interests and passions.
Emma Myers outlined the program saying “ … it’s about getting out of your comfort zone”.
The four components relate to physical activity, skills, community service and exploration.
“It’s up to you what activities you choose and what goals you set,” Ms Myers said.
“It is called an award, but it’s non-competitive, it is your own individual challenge.”
Lesley Porter from The Goodlife Farm in Chum Creek spoke of the community service the students can tap into through the work they are involved with at the farm.
Suzi Hyland from UYCH said there were more than 20 students in the program with those under 14 doing the equivalent Compass Program.
She said the students were involved in designing the program and had embraced it.
“The reason we are running this program is to give every student every opportunity,” she said.
“They are really excited because they have something to work towards.”
Lindy Schneider announced a $7500 Upper Yarra Community Enterprise sponsorship of the program’s adventure activities and camps.
“As your local community bank, we are pleased to be supporting your endeavours and wish you well in achieving all those amazing goals,” she said.
