By KATH GANNAWAY
THE men at Ben’s Shed in Yarra Junction are used to a little chaos in the shed when they hold their school sessions.
But, when 85 kids piled in for the end-of-year party on Tuesday 2 December, it was excitement-central.
Students from Launching Place, Millwarra, Wesburn and Gladysdale primary schools come along each week to do woodwork projects with the members and, according to Millwarra principal Rod Barnard they come away with much more than the footstools, egg racks and tool boxes that they make.
“They build relationships with the fellows here,” he said.
“Some of the kids don’t have grandparents and the people here are good male role models, which is important for the boys and the girls.
“The learn respect, co-operation, good basic skills and they get to take home a special gift for their family,” he said.
Bob Finch from Ben’s Shed said the program had been very successful with great mutual benefits.
“It’s been going for six years now, and with all the support we get from the schools, there’s no reason why it can’t continue for many more years,” he said.
