Certificate IV in Community Services Students Take the Lead
Monday, 11 November 2024
The students from the Certificate IV in Community Services at Wodonga TAFE are preparing to launch a powerful community initiative this November, as they host a series of events as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. As part of their course studies, the students are tasked with organising and promoting local events shedding light on critical issues such as family and gender-based violence.
This student-led project is focussed on two key events:
- On-Campus Event: for students and staff – 21 November
- Public Event: Walk Against Violence – 22 November
Each year, the Certificate IV in Community Services students take on a real-world project, applying the skills and theories they’ve learned across their units. This year's project is linked to units covering family violence and gender-based violence, bringing critical theoretical understanding into practical, community-focused action. Students work alongside local community organisations, applying their knowledge to planevents that not only raise awareness but also connect with the public in meaningful ways.
Wodonga TAFE teachers Cathy Prior and Paul Denison guide their students through every phase of the project. Community Services course coordinator Cathy Prior explains the significance: "This project allows students to link the practicalities of project work with a deep understanding of complex social issues. By connecting the ‘why’ of community services with hands-on experience, students gain invaluable insight and context around these issues."
Community Services students with teachers Cathy Prior (far left) and Paul Denison (far right)
Through their work, students also gain necessary exposure to a professional network, building connections with community service providers, social workers, and local business leaders. This experience is pivotal as they transition from the classroom into the workforce, equipping them with the confidence and expertise needed to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
Further to this, Wodonga TAFE is proudly involved in the annual Respect and Equality at TAFE (RET) campaign, headed by the OurWatch committee, funded through Respect Victoria. The RET campaign was launched earlier this year and the conversations from the launch led to the formation of a working group at Wodonga TAFE to further assist the necessary cultural changes required to reduce gender-based violence and promote equality in our communities.
As part of their project work, the students have gathered information about all upcoming local and online events related to the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
Wodonga TAFE’s Diversity and Inclusion officer, Tara Marsh says the campaign is a great way to involve students in existing campaigns, and ties in perfectly with the institutes Belonging Framework, which embeds the principles of equity, collaboration, respect, diversity, accountability into all aspects of Wodonga TAFE’s operations. “Addressing gender-based violence is one of the most complex challenges of our time. Our students are the leaders of tomorrow, and it’s inspiring to see them working towards becoming the cultural changemakers through activities like this.”
The Community Services students would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the organisations that are joining us in this important cause. We encourage all members of our community to don orange and join the walk on 22 November. For full event details, see the Facebook event.
Together we can end gender-based violence.
