On Wednesday 13th September, an EAL Study Group run in collaboration with CatholicCare Victoria and Northern Bay P-12 College won ‘Out-of-School-Hours Learning Support Program of the Year (Regional/Rural)’ at MY Education Awards 2023.
The awards, run by Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY), showcase the outstanding contributions made by Out-of-School-Hours Learning Support Programs across Victoria. This year’s judging panel was chaired by CMY and composed of representatives from the Department of Education, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools and independent schools of Victoria.
Image: Nestor Estampa receiving the MY Education Award on behalf of CCV and NBC.
Our EAL Study Group for years 9 & 10 runs in Corio (Geelong) on site at Northern Bay P-12 College, and forms part of our wider Settle Well service. The study group addresses the educational needs of newly arrived refugee and asylum seeker students while supporting their engagement and wellbeing, and it was proudly developed in response to student feedback obtained through consultation.
Students who attend the study group are often dealing with an array of challenges, which impact their education and wellbeing. Some of these challenges include limited English language skills, due to disrupted education; difficulty concentrating in class, due to trauma backgrounds associated with their refugee journeys; and isolation and disengagement, due to language barriers and cultural differences.
The parents of these students are also unable to help with homework because of limited English language skills, and/or low levels of previous education.
“Many of the students worry about falling behind with their school work and are experiencing low self-esteem,” says Nestor Estampa, who runs the CatholicCare Victoria Settle Well program and EAL Study Group.
“School dropout rates are also high for these students, because they find it difficult to make friends and cope with the school environment.”
Image: Nestor Estampa receiving the MY Education Award on behalf of CCV and NBC (image on left is courtesy of CMY).
The EAL Study Group features a team of seven Multicultural Education Aides who bridge language barriers for the students, as well as dedicated volunteers who contribute significantly to the program development.
A highlight of our program has been the enthusiastic endorsement of the Northern Bay College School Principal, which has led to integrated curriculum support for tutors and better learning outcomes for the students.
We thank everyone who supports our EAL Study Group and all those who contribute to the program and the students. We also thank CMY for hosting the awards and inviting us to the award ceremony on Wednesday at the State Library Victoria, where we celebrated this achievement together.
Learn more about our Settle Well program here.
Interested in supporting our Settle Well program?
Contact our Fundraising team:
Anne Paton
Group Director, Engagement
T 0408 761 499
E anne.paton@catholiccarevic.org.au
Liz Gellel | Manager, External Marketing and Communications