Good cause: GV Health Foundation brand and donor officer Jaimee Squire, Greater Shepparton City Council place manager Bonnie McIntosh, Ladies Who Lunch committee member Neha Samar, with Indie College students Ryder Warner-Masters, Connor Rawlings, Amiliah Jurisic, Kynan Gallacher.
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Students at Indie College recently took on the task of preparing 800 tote bags for the Ladies Who Lunch event.
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The event aims to raise funds for women’s cancer research and support.
Ladies Who Lunch committee member and Indie College vocational education training liaison Neha Samar said that Indie College is an educational institution that “offers a flexible and hands-on learning experience” for those aged 15 to 20 who’ve left traditional schooling for varied reasons.
“We try to make our classes more fun and enjoyable. The students don’t need to wear a uniform,” Mrs Samar said.
The college also aims to maintain a tight-knit educational environment.
“Each class is small, consisting of 10 to 12 students per teacher, which allows for a greater focus on individualised learning,” Mrs Samar said.
After students have achieved their Year 12 studies, they have the opportunity to choose a vocational education and training (VET) pathway.
Indie College is federally funded and free for students.
The college offers transport services to students and meals, and Mrs Samar said that Indie College’s mission is not merely about academic accomplishments.
“We aim to bring these students into a nurturing environment where they can make friends and feel safe,” Mrs Samar said.
Hard work: Indie College students filled 800 tote bags for the Ladies Who Lunch event.
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The students were eager to assist when it came to the Ladies Who Lunch tote bags.
“It was a community service project that our students took part in to gain work experience,” she said.
“They managed to prepare about 800 bags in just two days.
“This exercise taught them the values of teamwork and collaboration; they thought of strategies to fill multiple bags and speed up the entire process efficiently.”
Mrs Samar said that the initiative went beyond just preparing the tote bags.
“The students were so happy because they realised that their contribution was meaningful; it wasn’t just about preparing the tote bags,” she said.
“They were really excited that, in a small way, they were being part of something bigger.”
She said that the process also offered invaluable learning experiences.
“As they filled the bags with sponsored items, they learned why businesses might provide items for free. The value of each bag exceeded $100,” Mrs Samar said.
The upcoming Ladies Who Lunch event sparked enthusiasm among many, including Mrs Samar.
“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there in person. It’s one of the first big events since COVID,” she said.
“It’s wonderful seeing everyone come together for such a great cause.”
Teamwork: Indie College students Kynan Gallacher and Amiliah Jurisic.
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The Ladies Who Lunch event will be held concurrently with the Health and Wellbeing Event at Riverlinks Eastbank on October 29.
Updates on the event can be found by following the GV Health Foundation and the Health and Wellbeing event on social media.
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