Nokay Lar La, Eh Hta Dah See Sein, Teresa Vizintin, Chareepon Thongpan and Ayen Malual from the Wyndham Community and Education Centre. 69031 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By XAVIER SMERDON
WYNDHAM is home to more than one outstanding organisation, but one in particular is continuing to prove just how important it is to the community.
The Wyndham Community and Education Centre (WCEC), which provides learning alternatives and outreach programs people who have fallen through the cracks of the mainstream education system, has been nominated for a Victorian Learn Local Award.
The Centre has over 800 students who often find their dream career as a result of the tuition they receive.
CEO Jennie Barrera said many of the students had become part of her wider family.
“Most of our students are fairly disadvantaged and a lot of them have had pretty bad experiences with the education system,” Ms Barrera said.
“The difference between our organisation and others is our ability to nurture our students and really focus on their individual needs.”
Last month Star revealed that one student from the centre, Melkie Kiflu, who had come to Australia as an Egyptian refugee.
Melkie has since been given the opportunity to start his apprenticeship in motor mechanics.
The WCEC was nominated as an “outstanding organisation” for its tireless work.
Higher Education and Skills Minister Peter Hall said the Learn Local awards were a chance to recognise the great work achieved by businesses like the Wyndham centre.
“From birth through to adulthood, Victorians have access to a huge variety of quality educational opportunities and these awards give us an opportunity to celebrate their diverse achievements,” Mr Hall said.
For more information visit www.wyndhamcec.org.au.
