ECG Supports Stronger, More Connected Youth Through Community Engagement Program
Students from ECG Secondary College Pakenham have been working with members of the Garfield Community Garden to grow something special, not just vegetables, but confidence, resilience and connection.
In partnership with Penny Martin from the CoRE Blue Light Victoria program and Meg Platte from the Garfield Community Garden, ECG students took part in a Community Connection Day. The day focused on promoting social and emotional wellbeing, encouraging healthy and safe decision-making, and strengthening community engagement.
“It was fantastic to see our students actively engaging and working alongside the community members, taking on a range of tasks around the garden such as building a compost area, planting winter seedlings, designing signs for the vegetables and herb beds, moving mulch and preparing a BBQ lunch for all involved”, said their teacher, Kim Caldwell.
“The students were mature, responsible and showed genuine engagement.”
CoRE (Connected, Resilient, Engaged) is an initiative program developed by Blue Light Victoria with support from Positive Pathways funding. It is designed to build prosocial behaviours, self-awareness, resilience and a strong sense of community among young people who may be disengaged or at risk.
Delivered through weekly sessions in schools, CoRE empowers students to build trusting relationships with police, educators, and community leaders in a safe and supportive environment. It culminates in a Community Connection Day where students apply their skills through hands-on contributions to local initiatives, like the Garfield Community Garden.
ECG is committed to supporting young people who may face challenges in mainstream education by providing access to positive role models and meaningful, real-world learning experiences.
“We are proud to support initiatives like CoRE,” said the Principal, Russel Preatz. “It aligns closely with our mission to nurture resilient, capable and connected young people and equip them to take positive steps in their futures.”
ECG encourages students and families to explore this supportive, student-centred learning environment.