Last month, students in Year 10 at Scotch College received a warm welcome from Teach Learn Grow (TLG) volunteer representatives, on a Friday afternoon. 

The Schools Program run by TLG aims to spread awareness of the education gap that exists in Australia. It also aims to address the knowledge gaps in students surrounding the topic of educational inequality.

Students watched the video titled Swimming the River, which explains the key issues facing Indigenous people in the East Kimberley. These issues include unemployment and poverty, and perpetuate a cycle of disadvantage for both parents and their children.

Through the program, students learned more about TLG’s mission to close the gap and how they play a critical role in breaking the cycle of disadvantage.  

Students had the opportunity to complete a task-based activity focused on creating educational resources. The activity highlights the need for equal access to educational resources for rural and remote Australian communities. 

As mentioned by one student, “learning how TLG works with students to improve their literacy and numeracy was interesting and it was good to be able to help them create resources that they can use to help other students across our state.”

Another student said that “the opportunities we have here at school are great and it is easy to forget that not all students have the same resources available to them.”

Ngoc-Mai Duong, TLG Community Outreach Officer, says “engaging students in TLG’s work helps to empower students to not only to take charge of their education, but also to advocate for greater social change.”

It is with the ongoing support from a wide range of dedicated volunteers, partners and community members that together we are able to work toward securing a quality education in a safe and supportive environment for all children. 

Students at Scotch College interested in making a positive difference in their community were further encouraged to get involved with TLG through the bi-annual Rural Program, eMentor program and Tutoring Centre now and when they finish high school. 

TLG would like to give a special thanks once again to Scotch College and look forward to returning soon.

If your high school would like to get involved, please contact Cate Leedman at DevelopmentDirector@teachlearngrow.org.au.