Year 5 and 6 students in Greater Shepparton participated in a day of food, fun and education courtesy of Ardoch’s Learning Through Lunch program, GOTAFE and Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project.
Supported by the Victorian Government, Learning Through Lunch is a regional initiative by the Ardoch children’s education charity.
The organisation is focused on addressing gaps caused by education inequality in Australia, and exposing Victorian regional students to a range of local pathways that will inspire them to pursue their dream careers.
The unique program treated the students to a tour of GOTAFE Shepparton campus, where they were introduced to a range of courses.
Facility favourites included the purpose-built workshops for plumbing, electrical and mechanics trades, and the hands-on activities in the hospitality and agriculture industry guided by local GOTAFE teachers.
GOTAFE director of student attraction and enrolment Laura Baker said GOTAFE was committed to fostering lifelong learning and improving outcomes for the community, making the Ardoch program the perfect fit.
“We were proud to partner with Ardoch to help young students find their passion and start dreaming about their future pathways,” she said.
“The Learning Through Lunch program provided an opportunity for students to experience first-hand the options available to learn locally.”
Ms Baker was pleased to hear the students expressing their interest in pursuing careers in the arts, trades, healthcare and animal welfare industries.
“I heard one Year 6 student say the automotive section inspired them to become a mechanic, which was pretty amazing,” Ms Baker said.
Ardoch’s official website contains more information about the organisation and its volunteer initiative for 2023’s Learning Through Lunch program.