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CONNECT
CONNECT was a collaborative project of agencies and
schools from the Cities of Knox, Manningham, Monash and Whitehorse,
auspiced by the Migrant Information Centre (Eastern Melbourne).
The project initially received funding from VicHealth through their
Mental Health Promotion Plan. Since July 2003 to July 2006, CONNECT
was funded by the Community Support Fund allowing the project to
continue to develop and expand in the Eastern Region of Melbourne.
The objective of the CONNECT project was to provide
support and develop a sense of belonging within the school and local
community for newly arrived migrant and refugee young people attending
secondary school in the Eastern region and to their parents. This
was achieved through the implementation of two parallel projects:
1. A peer support program in selected mainstream secondary schools;
and
2. Parental support initiatives.
Peer Support Program
CONNECT workined in secondary schools in the Eastern
Region of Melbourne. The peer support component of the project was
delivered by Year 10 students trained as CONNECT Leaders, supported
by the Project Officer. At each school interested students, submit
an expression of interest to participate in the program and selected
students attend a two-day training course to become CONNECT Leaders.
The training program covered subjects such as culture, settlement
issues of young people, communication, the importance of social
networks, leadership and coping skills.
CONNECT Leaders then met with students from a migrant
or refugee background throughout the school year to undertake a
range of activities . These activities inlcuded a focus on learning
more about the school environment, participation in school life
and building networks, creating relationships, understanding cultural
differences and recreational and support options in the school and
local community.
The CONNECT Leader Training Manual is available to
download here
Parent Support Initiatives
Information collected through initial focus groups
from parents of students studying at Blackburn English Language
School (BELS) indicated a lack of understanding of the Victorian
education system. There is also an uncertainty among parents about
how they can support their children in their studies and the kind
of involvement that is expected by schools from parents. To address
these issues information sessions were organised for parents at
BELS and other participating schools. These have included Information
Evenings about the education system at which interpreters and translated
information will be available, and a Family Day giving parents the
opportunity to socialise with each other and share information and
experiences. Sessions are flexible and designed to respond to the
needs of the groups of parents.
If you would like any further information about the
CONNECT Project please contact Liana on 92854888 or email lbonadio@miceastmelb.com.au
CONNECT Activity Book
As part of the CONNECT project an activity folder
was developed. The folder details a number of activities that agencies
can use in peer support programs. Please click here
to download the book.
Evaluation Reports
An evaluation report of the pilot phase of the CONNECT
Project (January 2001-June 2002) is available. Please click here
to download a copy of the report.
Copies of Milestone reports for the Community Support
Fund can be viewed here:
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