Kids as Catalyst is back

The 2022 Bass Coast Kids as Catalysts program is back bigger and better than ever in 2022, with two new participating schools coming on board giving more local kids a chance to create positive change in our community.

A special launch and information session will be held on July 13, from 5pm at Newhaven Primary School.

Kicking the program off, teachers and educators from Bass Valley Primary, Powlett River Primary and Newhaven Primary got together for a training day last month at the Kilcunda Community Centre.

Bass Coast Community Foundation Chair Phil Friedlos said after the extreme challenges of delivering the pilot program through Covid lockdowns and restrictions at Newhaven Primary last year, the day was an important way for local teachers to connect and learn more about how the program works, and their role in delivering it.

“It was fantastic to have the teachers who delivered the pilot program at Newhaven Primary last year able to support our new schools to make sure the program this year is even stronger,” he said.

The Kids as Catalysts program aims to ignite and skill young people to become catalysts for positive change in their local communities. It builds resilience, educational engagement, community connections and mental wellbeing while engaging literacy, numeracy and teamwork skills.

The program is delivered over six months and supports students in developing skills and networks to make a change for the better in their local communities.

“This program is funded by local donations to the Bass Coast Community Foundation and is part of the Foundation’s work to improve local children’s aspirations and community connections. We are proud to support Kids Thrive, such a forward-looking local organisation, to have such a positive impact on the lives of children's mental health and wellbeing,” Phil said.

The 2022 program will also be supported by a team of new local Kids Thrive facilitators Lizzy Rich and Iris Gailliard, program coordinator Philippa Armstrong, production coordinator Margaret de Wolff and community liaison Jenny Churchill.

The program is brought to Bass Coast by Kids Thrive, Bass Coast Community Foundation, Vic Health, Sydney Myer fund and the Department of Education and Training.

Want to help?

Small teams of students will be helping local organisations and community groups with a volunteer project between August and September. If your organisation or volunteer group is keen to be involved contact jenny@kidsthrive.org.au.

The Bass Coast Kids as Catalysts Community Launch and Information night is open to the public. It will be held at Newhaven Primary School on Wednesday July 13, 5pm to 6pm.

All welcome to support children to be positive changemakers and volunteers in their own community. Please come along to find out more.