Our Year 12 Vocational Major (VM) students are currently undertaking an extended community project focused on addressing a local community issue. Through research and consultation, students identified food security as a significant issue affecting members of the Fawkner community and subsequently established an ongoing partnership with Fawkner Food Bowl to support local efforts in addressing this need.

As part of the project, students investigated a range of community organisations before selecting Fawkner Food Bowl as their community partner. They examined previous approaches to food relief initiatives, conducted research into community needs and worked collaboratively to develop project goals and objectives. Throughout the year, students are engaging in a structured process of planning, implementing and evaluating their response to this important community issue.

The project provides students with an opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world context while developing valuable employability and personal development skills. Students are conducting research, analysing findings and making informed decisions about how best to contribute to the project and present their work. They are also considering key factors involved in implementing a successful community project, including community engagement, sustainability and the impact of their actions.

Working alongside Fawkner Food Bowl, students continue to contribute their time, energy and enthusiasm to support local residents experiencing food insecurity. Through this hands-on community engagement experience, they are strengthening their skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving and community service while developing a deeper understanding of social responsibility.

The ongoing partnership has enabled students to witness firsthand the positive impact that community organisations have on the lives of vulnerable individuals and families. Their participation is fostering empathy, resilience and an appreciation for the importance of active citizenship within the local community.

participation is fostering empathy, resilience and an appreciation for the importance of active citizenship within the local community.

As the project progresses, students will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of their actions and reflect on how their contribution is helping to address community needs. At the conclusion of the project, they will present their findings and outcomes to an appropriate audience of peers and community members, sharing their learning journey and evaluating the impact of their response.

The partnership with Fawkner Food Bowl reflects the core values of the Vocational Major program, encouraging students to engage in meaningful learning beyond the classroom and make authentic contributions to their local community.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 12 VM students and their ongoing commitment to this important initiative. Their work demonstrates the positive difference young people can make when they actively engage with community issues and work collaboratively to create meaningful change. We thank the volunteers and staff at Fawkner Food Bowl for their continued support and for providing such a valuable learning opportunity for our students.

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