For many years Benalla Rotary has been acknowledging Year 6 students as part of its junior awards program.
Before the onset of COVID-19 there was a discussion within the club around various challenges students were facing that impacted their ability to complete the award.
As a result, and a way of making the program more relatable and accessible it was re-branded for 2022 as Benalla Community Champions.
Rachael Heywood, who is a member of the St Joseph’s Benalla Welbeing team said the program required students to undertake various activities and research that connected them with the local community.
“Activities were linked to four sections of the program, which included community service, learning a new skill, physical exercise and social experiences,” Ms Heywood said.
“They included experiences such as visiting the Benalla Migrant Camp, celebrating the many events of the Benalla festival and yarn bombing.”
Other activities included:
- Attending Remembrance Day;
- Welding;
- Cooking;
- Sewing;
- Vocational visits;
- Walking pet lambs;
- Swimming;
- Dancing;
- Mountain biking; and
- Golf.
“Connection to the wider community for these young people is about developing a sense of belonging that is even larger than the family unit or school community,” Ms Heywood said.
“By creating positive connections... it allows for greater engagement for both young people and others in the community.”
Ms Heywood said the program has also aligned well with “The Resilience Project”, which had been running at St Joseph’s this year.
“This has provided positive mental health strategies through their core elements of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness,” she said.
“These really translate through the activities students undertake through the Benalla Community Champions.
“Students feel a great sense of value and achievement when their work is recognised.
“Programs like the Benalla Community Champions not only assists students with their confidence and independence, but in understanding that they are capable of achieving the goals that they set for themselves.
“Recognition also allows our younger students to see the achievements of the Year 6 students and the opportunity ahead for them to take part in Benalla Community Champions.”
Ms Heywood said Rotary was the perfect partner for this program.
“It is an extraordinary community group which epitomises the importance of human spirit and giving to others,” she said.