Victoria’s deputy premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll visited a Geelong school this week to announce the expansion of the state government’s respect and gender equity program in schools.
Accompanied by member for Lara Ella George, Mr Carroll visited Kardinia International College yesterday (Thursday, March 28) to announce 81 Catholic and independent schools were ready to roll out the Respectful Relationships Initiative.
The program is a primary prevention initiative intended to reduce family violence, focusing on building a culture of respect and gender equity through a whole-school approach.
Mr Carroll said through the program Victoria was “leading the nation” in building a culture of respect and equality in schools.
“Respectful Relationships has been a success thanks to the commitment of government, independent and Catholic sectors schools to ensure students are given the resources they need to thrive,” he said
More than 2000 schools, including 450 non-government institutions, are now signed up to Respectful Relationships. They will each receive funding of up to $20,000 over two years to implement the program.
Kardinia International College Principal Catherine Lockhart the Respectful Relationships program was “a brilliant initiative that aligns seamlessly with our school motto of Wisdom, Respect and Friendship”.
“By embedding a culture of respect and equality across our entire community, it creates a consistent, positive and supportive environment that significantly improves students’ academic outcomes, mental health, behaviour, and relationships,” Ms Lockhart said.
Member for Lara Ella George said young people should feel safe at school and in the community.
“This program plays an important part in creating cultural change to ensure young people, especially young women, are respected and supported,” Ms George said.
Interested non-government schools can submit expressions of interest for the program until May 15.
