A MUSEUM of Modern Thinking was set up at the Catholic Regional College in North Keilor last Thursday.
The Year 9 research project saw groups of pupils investigate social issues including asylum seekers, preventable cancers and diseases, homelessness, elderly care, child trafficking and more.
The students presented their research and work in a market-style ’museum’ for their fellow pupils last week.
One of the participating pupils, Isabella Seychell, was involved in a stall on raising awareness for deaf children.
“We’ve called our program Beautiful Butterflies because butterflies are unable to hear,” she said.
“We found inspiration in a little boy whose story was so amazing that it brought tears to our eyes.
“The amazing children and teachers at the St Albans East Primary School Deaf Facility allowed us to see how children learned in the facility and in their classrooms.
“That was an opportunity that we will never forget and we are grateful for.”
Her fellow student Jack Maricak participated in a stall which focused on war veterans’ affairs.
“We often hear how many Australian diggers are being killed or wounded, yet never hear about the many thousands of diggers who have been mentally scarred from the effects of war,” he said.
“Crippling PTSD and anxiety lead our heroes not to live the lives they truly deserve.
“This does not only affect them, but also the people who care for them.”
Another pupil, Danielle Maugeri, completed a project about adolescent mental health called ‘Can I make a difference?’
“Our main focus is Depression as it is really important and everyone should be aware of how serious it is,” she said.
“We could have friends who are depressed and we need to know the signs and symptoms so we are able to help them deal with it.
“Our aim is to raise awareness and to tell adolescents that it’s okay to seek help.”
