Engaging Local Project

Monique led a Zoom session on running successful projects, focusing on the Youth Skillshed initiative run by the Rotary Club of Baronia. The project aims to empower youth by teaching essential skills not typically learned in traditional settings, such as woodworking, plumbing, and cooking. Monique discussed the project's progress, including its first round with seven students from years 4 to 6 and its continuation in Term 2, emphasising its importance in fostering independence and self-reliance. The session included plans to explore project planning, funding, community engagement, and partnership building, with participants encouraged to share insights and ask questions via chat.

Monique presented a summary of a community project involving hands-on trade skills training for children over seven weeks. The project, which has run for three iterations, included activities such as carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, concrete work, metal polishing, sign writing, and bricklaying, with volunteers from Bunnings, local government, and various trade professionals teaching the skills. The program concluded with a hamburger-making session and certificate presentations, with Monique noting that both children and volunteers thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Ray discussed the success of the youth skill shed project, highlighting the importance of full club support and the positive impact on children's learning and behaviour. He explained how the shed was established at a primary school, emphasising the convenience for target students and the project's focus on hands-on, trade-based learning. Ray also detailed the roles and responsibilities of the committee overseeing the project, including ensuring adequate insurance, working with children's checks, and maintaining a high ratio of volunteers to participants. He concluded by discussing the estimated startup budget for tools and materials, noting the project's success in engaging children with various tools and equipment.

Ray discussed the funding of a community project, noting that while grants and sponsors were secured, the local club provided additional financial support. The project received a $5,000 grant from Bendigo Bank and additional funds from District and the club itself. Ray mentioned that further grants were obtained from the Federal Volunteers Community Grant Fund and Bendigo Bank. Monique inquired about the program structure, particularly the significance of the 90-minute timeframe. Ray explained that the project is the first of its kind in Australia for primary school-aged children and that the time slot was chosen after considering the needs of the participants and the available activities.

Ray explained the successful partnership with Bunnings, which provided materials and merchandise for the youth skill shed project. He described the legal and insurance considerations that led to forming an incorporated association, including the need for public liability insurance and the establishment of a committee of management. Monique noted the importance of the partnership for both parties and mentioned that a charitable trust is being set up to allow businesses to claim tax deductions for donations.

Ray explained the selection process for youth participants in the skillshed, noting that school leadership identifies interested students who follow the maintenance staff, with parental permission obtained through a detailed form. He described safety protocols, including a weekly rules induction and flexible equipment requirements, while highlighting the program's success through student enthusiasm and written feedback forms completed by both students and parents at the program's conclusion.

Monique and Ray presented their successful youth skill shed project, which provides trade skills training for young people and has received positive feedback from tradespeople. Ray offered an 18-step document detailing how to set up a similar youth skill shed, including budget estimates.

Recording