By Candice Boyle
THE first phase of a program supporting socially disadvantaged children was launched in a colourful celebration in Braybrook last Wednesday.
Students from Dinjerra Primary School were eager to show their appreciation of the program through art and music performances at the launch.
The students are among children from five primary schools in the West to participate in the Western Linking Communities and Schools (LinCS) project.
The program is part of the Ardoch Youth Foundation’s role in helping to make education a reality for children from all backgrounds.
Western LinCS project co-ordinator Katia Sanderson said the program recognised that issues relating to family breakdown, social disadvantage and migration could make learning difficult for children.
The first phase of the program is working with students from Ardeer Primary School, Braybrook Primary School, Dinjerra Primary School, Glengala Primary School and Sunshine Primary School.
Ms Sanderson said Ardoch hoped to include a further five schools in the project by 2009.
Ardoch works in collaboration with business and community to implement learning and welfare programs and help schools generate the resources needed to keep children at school.
To date the project has enlisted the services of 22 community volunteers, material resources and corporate support for local schools.
Ms Sanderson said corporate and community volunteers had been overwhelmed by the welcome they received from staff and students.
“Schools are just so committed to ensuring that all children are given the opportunity to reach their potential,” she said.
In celebration of the success of the project, Dinjerra students presented Ardoch Youth Foundation founder Kathy Hilton with a framed artistic impression of Ardoch’s starfish emblem at the launch.
The launch also included a presentation by Besen Foundation representative Debbie Dadon who played a pivotal role in the creation of the Western LinCS project.
Victoria University’s access and success program director, Associate Professor Brenda Cherednichenko, the member for Footscray, Marsha Thomson, and Maribyrnong mayor Michael Clarke were among the official guests at the launch.
To become a Western LinCS volunteer or to find out more about the school program call the LinCS office on 9537 2414.
