More than 180 year six Geelong students have been empowered to lead local change after pitching their creative project ideas to community leaders this week.
Northern Bay College students are now set to implement a variety of philanthropic projects aimed to combat real-life local issues as part of the Kids as Catalyst program.
Program coordinator Joanne Grimsey said the school-based initiative encourages students to “step out of their comfort zone”.
“Kids are really used to adults doing things for them, so this program teaches them how to step up to big tasks and take the lead,” Ms Grimsey said.
Students have spent the last three months working in the classroom developing their ideas, budgets and timelines before pitching to a judging panel for funding.
They presented more than 30 projects with ideas ranging from fundraising for all-ability sports teams to helping the homeless.
Run by organisation Kids Thrive, Ms Grimsey said the program equips students with important life-skills including networking, resilience, leadership and time management.
“The program provides kids with the confidence and skills they need to become agents of positive change in their communities,” she said.
“It teaches them that it’s never too young to be a change-maker.”
The students will now spend the next month collaborating with 29 local community groups and charities to put their projects in action.
