Community services students from Kangan Institute’s Broadmeadows campus are embracing new ways to complete their studies while making a difference in the community.
The students, who are studying certificate IV in community services, have connected with a vulnerable person in their local area or a social group providing community support in recent weeks to lend a hand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The students have connected with the elderly, widowers, single mothers, distressed teenagers, isolated people with mental health issues and the homeless, providing them with food and social interactions.
Student Lochlan Wilson focused on supporting a friend during isolation.
“I organised a night with him and other close friends to have dinner and a movie while on video chat, to feel some sort of normalcy again in doing an activity we all thoroughly enjoy,” he said.
“As this isolation period has everyone feeling a bit secluded and uneasy, this opportunity allowed us to forget about what was happening, just for a few hours, giving us a great mental reset.”
Teacher Loz Visser said more than 20 students participated in the project.
“The students have found this work truly rewarding and feel a sense of happiness and fulfilment to have given, with a felt purpose, to their local community,” he said.
“To see their neighbours and community be cared for during this challenging time is what the community sector is all about. This experience is essential for community services students.”
