Gagebrook students work on a water quality project
Located in an isolated area, within a broad housing estate and with high levels of unemployment, the suburb of Gagebrook on the outskirts of Hobart was suffering from an image problem.
But an innovative program running in the local primary school is starting to turn that around.
ruMAD? is a social justice program designed to encourage leadership and community spirit in among school students.
The program encourages students to identify issues they feel passionate about, then work with local businesses and organisations to achieve them.
It was introduced to Gagebrook by Principal, John O’Rourke, and teacher Steve Robinson 2006.
Initially, Steve’s grade 3 students took on modest goals - beautifying the local sports ground by painting sheds and planting trees.
Student’s enthusiasm for the projects inspired Mr Robinson to expand the program and by 2008 the whole school was involved in activities such as waste reduction and assisting children in Cambodia affected by landmines, aided by funding by the Tasmanian Centre for Global Learning (TCGL).
Leeah Moody’s kids - Zack-10, Noah-8 and Piper- have attended Gagebrook since the start of the year. “I'm really impressed with the ruMAD? program and what it is my children are learning,” she said.
“It teaches the children about community, tolerance, awareness of others, awareness of the environment, it gives them a sense of being able to contribute, it builds self esteem. Living in a low economic area it helps the children realise it doesn't matter where they live, they are able to make a difference no matter how big or small. ruMAD? gives the children a voice.”
The program is now set to continue for another year as in 2009 the collaboration between Gagebrook Public and TCGL was the recipient of a $50,000 award from the Schools First program, an initiative of National Australia Bank which rewards school and community partnerships.
Receiving the grant further boosted morale at the school. “The Schools First award has given all the children something to be really proud about,” said Ms Moody.
Teacher Petrina Randazzo now co-ordinates the program one day a week and it is woven into various parts of the curriculum. “It encourages empathy,” she said.
“It allows students to have some control in their learning and they are exposed to issues that are often ignored in their daily lives.”
Ms Randazzo noticed a change in students after they worked with a school for students with a disability.
“One child said she had not understood what a disability was- she thought it was just someone who wet their pants. Afterwards... she had a totally different outlook on people living with disability and the breadth of issues they face.”
Making a change at your school
The ruMAD? toolkit is completely free for public schools, non-profit organisations and government funded community agencies. There are nominal costs for non-government schools and organisations. Over 1,500 Australian schools and their students already making a difference to their communities – find out more at rumad.org.au.
Launched in 2008 by the now Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the NAB Schools First awards program has pledged $15 million over three years to rewarding and promoting stronger school-community partnerships. Applications for this years awards end July 30. Find out more at schoolsfirst.com.au.
