The Hands-on Learning (HoL) program is designed to help those students engage with their education.
HoL is a practical school program that was established in Victoria in 1999.
It now runs in schools across the country, building wellbeing, engagement, and attendance by creating opportunities for students to discover their talents and experience success through authentic hands-on projects.
Tomorrow Today has been involved with the Hands-on Learning program at Benalla P-12 College since it began there in 2010.
This year it helped fund HoL projects at both Benalla P-12 College and the Benalla Flexible Learning Centre (BFLC).
At Benalla P-12 College, in what is a true example of successful collaboration across multiple organisations, HoL students and volunteers are working on a project to design, construct and install raised veggie beds at Cooinda Aged Care and Benalla’s Uniting Church.
Students are also working with Cooinda residents to propagate seedlings; with Benalla Health and Waminda House helping to distribute the completed garden beds to local families.
The veggie beds assist the Benalla community in developing healthy eating habits by providing fresh home-grown produce.
HoL’s artisan instructor Andrew Holland said it was a great example of how collaboration and a small amount of funding can have a big impact.
“Seeing students’ skills and knowledge grow is just one of the benefits that the program,” Mr Holland said.
“I’ve been involved with Hands-on Learning for about four years.
“It’s fantastic as an education support. Just getting the kids in and seeing them grow in the program, learning new skills and so forth, it puts a smile on their dial and they enjoy it.
“Some of these kids learn better with their hands than sitting in the classroom.”
The students are appreciative of Mr Holland’s commitment.
“He’s always there to support us in any way possible,” One HoL student said.
“He's always teaching us new skills, like this wicking bed.
“The first one we built together, us with him, and now we can build one of these by ourselves.”
At Benalla Flexible Learning Centre the aim of the HoL program this year is to introduce a range of practical projects that help maintain the school grounds and improve the conditions of the Barkly St Precinct.
The program builds group dynamics and social skills in a controlled and safe environment.
The Centre is working closely with the Benalla P-12 College HoL cohort and collaborating with other local groups to help strengthen community ties.
Every year Tomorrow Today funds a range of community projects through their Annual Grants program.
Grants of up to $5000 are awarded to community groups and organisations to deliver projects that will build skills, strength and resilience.
For more information, visit tomorrowtoday.com.au or phone 5762 1211.
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