URGENT UPDATE: Broadmeadows-based initiative Project REAL has just been awarded the prestigious Engaging Kids in School Award at the Victorian Protecting Children Awards held on September 2, 2023. This recognition highlights the program’s vital role in supporting children at risk of educational disengagement.
Project REAL, a program run by Banksia Gardens Community Services, has developed innovative strategies to help students aged 9-12 who have become disconnected from their schooling. The initiative focuses on re-engaging these children, ensuring that the right to education transforms from a mere aspiration into a tangible reality.
The program tailors flexible learning opportunities to meet each child’s unique needs, significantly contributing to their educational journey. This includes practical supports such as family support plans, school pick-ups and drop-offs, and even providing lunches to eliminate barriers to attendance. Since its inception in 2017, Project REAL has successfully assisted nearly 60 children in returning to regular learning, while also enabling participation in sports, music, and school camps.
Before joining Project REAL, many of these students faced significant challenges, including long absences from school and struggles with impulse control and emotional regulation. Remarkably, the majority of participants have exhibited substantial improvements in school attendance, as well as their social and emotional development.
Jaime De Loma-Osorio Ricon, Deputy Chief Executive of Banksia Gardens, expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments. “The reason I decided to nominate the team is because I believe they are very dedicated and hardworking educators that don’t give up on our kids, and I think they need to be celebrated,” he stated.
This award signifies not just a commendation of hard work but also shines a light on the urgent need for programs that support at-risk students in Australia. As educational challenges continue to evolve, the success of Project REAL underscores the importance of innovative solutions in combating student disengagement.
As schools and communities look to foster inclusive educational environments, the work being done by Project REAL serves as a model for similar initiatives worldwide. The next steps involve further expanding their offerings to reach even more students in need, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.
Stay tuned for more updates on how Project REAL continues to impact lives positively and the broader implications for educational practices in Australia.
