GRADE Five and Six students from three local primary schools took to the stage last week in front of community leaders, councillors, school principals and families to present their ideas for projects to help drive positive change in their local communities. 

The Kids Thrive Kids as Catalysts program, which ran successfully as a pilot last year at Newhaven Primary School, has been expanded to Powlett River Primary School, Bass Valley Primary School and Newhaven Primary School thanks to additional funding and support from the Bass Coast Community Foundation, VicHealth, Victorian Department of Education and Training, and the Sidney Myer Fund.

Students ‘pitched’ their ideas, developed in partnership with local community groups, to a panel of councillors and principals to seek project funding to address issues they see as having greatest importance in their local community – including support for older people, cultural inclusion, gender equality, environmental issues and protection of animals and wildlife as well as disability advocacy. 
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Michael Whelan introduced the program with an inspiring speech. 

“You are the future” he said to the hundred or so primary school children. 

“It is not good enough to talk about targets for 2050, this is your future. 

“We need to be acting now to protect that. It is really important that we listen to you and that you invite us to see what we as a Council and community can do.” 

Taking part in Victoria’s leading creative leadership and social change program for schools, principals and program staff said students have undergone significant change since commencing the program. 

“Our evaluation reports have proven that children involved in this program not only increase their confidence, personal skills and educational outcomes, but are so excited to be given the opportunity to help make a difference in their community. Their education becomes meaningful to them as they learn real-world skills and see their hard work making a difference to the people and the environment around them,” says Andrea Rieniets, co-Director and co-Founder of Kids Thrive. 

Executive Officer of the Bass Coast Community Foundation Sarah Bourke said funding the program again has demonstrated the value of engaging local students in the critical years before they transition to high school. 

It has also assisted in developing positive relationships with community organisations and community members. 

Following this week’s ‘pitch’, students will now deliver their projects with their local community partners and then present the outcomes of their final projects at a showcase event later in the year.  
The local community are invited to various events being developed by student and community groups, so please keep an eye out on social media and through the Kids Thrive website for upcoming events. 

Kids Thrive is a not-for-profit charity proudly working in the Bass Coast region and this Kids as Catalysts program is proudly funded by Bass Coast Community Foundation, VicHealth, Victorian Department of Education and Training, and the Sidney Myer Fund. 

To find out more about the program go to bccf.org.au and www.kidsthrive.org.au.