Lift Off Week - Year 9 Impact Program
Dion Krivonos and Stephanie Verginis, Year 9 Barrett Student Leaders
From 10 to 15 February, Year 9 students took part in Lift Off Week as part of our Year 9 Impact Program.
Over three days in the city and two at Monash Clayton, we heard from inspiring speakers and engaged in a diverse range of activities. Each experience challenged our perspectives, heightened our understanding of social issues, and encouraged us to reflect on our own values and opportunities.
DAY 1 – MELBOURNE CBD
Our week began with a powerful talk from Tony, a former gambling addict, who shared his personal journey with us. His story left a lasting impact, reinforcing two key takeaways — the importance of honesty and the dangers of gambling.
Following this, some groups took on the 'Out & About' Challenge, navigating the city to locate iconic landmarks such as Flinders Street Station and Hosier Lane, while documenting their journey through photos and videos.
Later, we attended a session with two police officers, who provided valuable insights on staying safe in the city.
To wrap up the day, we reflected on our experiences by completing the Social Impact booklet, answering thought-provoking questions about the lessons we had learned from the presentations and activities.
DAY 2 – MELBOURNE CBD
Tuesday took us to a Jewish synagogue in East Melbourne, where Karlia introduced us to Judaism. A highlight of the session was attempting to blow the shofar, a ram’s horn traditionally used in Jewish ceremonies. Despite our best efforts, only one student managed to produce a sound! We ended the visit by sampling Challah, a traditional Jewish bread.
Next, we continued with our ‘Out & About’ activities before attending a session with Belinda from Front Yard, an organisation dedicated to supporting young people experiencing homelessness in Melbourne. She provided us with eye-opening insights into the root causes of homelessness. We were left with the key message to see beyond a person's circumstances and understand that most individuals experiencing homelessness did nothing to deserve their situation.
DAY 3 – MELBOURNE CBD
On Wednesday, we visited a mosque, where Sara introduced us to Islam and its Five Pillars — prayer, fasting, belief in one God, pilgrimage and charity. She explained that mosques contain no sculptures or paintings, as Muslims believe God has no human form. Sara also addressed common misconceptions, such as the belief that Muslim women are forced to wear the hijab, clarifying that it is a personal choice. One of our key takeaways was the importance of questioning stereotypes and approaching different cultures with greater understanding.
Next, we had an inspiring session with Nicholas Okinda from Kenya, who shared his life experiences. He recounted how being selected to represent his school led to an incredible chance to teach at Ballarat Grammar.
Nicholas also captivated us with a gripping near-death experience, where he nearly drowned during a school excursion but was miraculously rescued. The room fell silent as we absorbed the intensity of his story. He concluded with his vision for change in Kenya, aiming to create a future where children have access to opportunities and happiness. His message was a poignant reminder to make the most of life, as we only live once.
DAY 4 – MONASH CLAYTON
Thursday marked our first day at Monash Clayton, where we embarked on our ‘It’s Everyone’s Business’ journey. Three enthusiastic presenters welcomed us with engaging games, which gradually transitioned into deeper discussions.
The first activity, ‘Who Am I?’, prompted us to reflect on our identities. After a short break, we explored our core values, selecting five that resonated most with us. The presenters then shared their personal stories, inspiring us with their journeys and aspirations.
Later, we began researching social issues in preparation for our upcoming project.
DAY 5 – MONASH CLAYTON
Our final day of Lift Off Week began with interactive games that tested our knowledge from previous sessions. We then watched a 2024 news recap, reflecting on both triumphs and challenges, which led to a discussion on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
We then delved deeper into specific social issues, selecting ones we felt passionate about and discussing our prior knowledge. Winners of Thursday’s scavenger hunt were announced and awarded prizes.
One of the most impactful activities was a reflective exercise where we stepped forward if we had experienced certain situations, fostering empathy and a greater awareness of each other’s backgrounds. We concluded the program by completing our ‘Who Am I?’ workbooks and engaging in gratitude reflections, recognising what we value most.
Overall, Lift Off Week provided a valuable opportunity for Year 9 students to broaden their perspectives, engage with important social issues and reflect on their personal growth.