Senior VCAL students at MLMC played an integral role at the end of last term in facilitating workshops in Global Gathering, an annual event designed to provide inter-cultural contact between students in Melbourne's eastern region. The attendees were a mix of primary and secondary school students from a range of different cultural backgrounds, from both government and non-government schools.
Senior VCAL students from the College facilitated workshops for the attendees that were designed around the theme Healthy Relationships, with the simple aim being for participants to have fun. There was plenty of smiling and laughter as VCAL students and attendees participated together in a range of interactive games. Throughout the activities many VCAL students demonstrated leadership by problem solving and taking the initiative to guide attendees.
Communicating with an audience that included refugees was a focus in planning the workshop. Students were also required to be culturally sensitive. During each workshop, our students demonstrated a welcoming spirit that became contagious. By the end of each workshop, attendees grew in confidence and were soon talking and laughing with our VCAL facilitators.
Overall, the day succeeded in developing an understanding and respect for people from different cultures while creating and strengthening links between local schools and services. Thank you to all VCAL students who participated on the day and in the planning of an event that celebrated the rich cultural diversity of schools within the eastern region.
