By Gabriella Payne
Keeping kids engaged in school is so important, and the children involved in Pakenham’s homework club have received a helping hand to keep on learning and having fun thanks to some support from the state government.
The Living and Learning Centre’s homework club program, which helps African-Victorian students stay engaged in school work and achieve their goals, was announced as one of 12 homework clubs across the state to share in $1.2 million worth of funding – a boost that will help them continue their good work into the future.
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said that the program was incredibly deserving of the funding, which would assist them to continue delivering vital after-school programs, including one-on-one support, goal setting and mentoring.
“It’s great to see the positive impacts the homework club is having here in Pakenham – and this funding will ensure they keep supporting local kids to achieve,” Ms Crugnale said.
“We want every student at every school across the state to have a quality education which opens up opportunities and options in both further education and employment pathways.”
Pakenham’s homework club coordinator, Chengkuach Aleer, said that it was fantastic to see the impact the program was having on the students involved (more than 80) and this funding would help them immensely.
“It is with great honour and appreciation that I thank Living & Learning Pakenham Inc for giving me this opportunity to continue to engage and support our young people to reach their potential as students and productive community members,” Mr Aleer said.
The CEO of the Living and Learning Centre, Miriam Cadwallader, said that the program had already proven to be a huge success and the centre was grateful to be a recipient of this funding.
“Living and Learning (L and L) homework club has been designed to be a safe, flexible and fun place where students will find the support they need to reach their potential as students and productive community members,” Ms Cadwallader said.
“Ultimately, L and L homework club will help in producing productive and engaged community members.
“A key element of student success is the involvement and engagement of families and caregivers, and L and L homework club will incorporate opportunities for families and caregivers to participate in targeted activities, events and workshops,” she said.
The homework club runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school term at the Pakenham Living and Learning Centre, at 6B Henry Street, Pakenham and new members are always welcomed.
