Vinnies visits Exeter Primary for Youth Works

In July our Northern Youth Coordinator, Leah Dann-White, joined with Vincentian Member, Eric Welsh, to visit Exeter Primary School and address a group of 90 grade 3-6 students in preparation for an upcoming food drive.  

The presentation aimed to educate the students on the Society’s services, how they can be accessed and how valuable food donations would benefit those in the community.  

The visit was a demonstration of our efforts to expand Youth Works across the state by holding conversations covering the broad range of the services we provide and raising the awareness of poverty and disadvantage within Tasmanian communities.  

Leah Dann-White said the presentation on Vinnies’ services in response to social justice matters was a success.  

“Many of the students demonstrated a genuine interest by actively asking questions about our services, about volunteering with us in the future and how they can actively help in their community,” she said.  

“During the presentation, Eric Welsh shared valuable first-hand insight on providing assistance in the community.  

“At the end of the presentation, we held an interactive quiz with the student leaders which actively reinforced the key messages of the session and motivated the students further for their food donation drive. 

“Exeter Primary staff were very happy with the presentation noting that it raised much needed awareness, and the positive feedback from students highlighted the value of holding these presentations within schools.” 

Mr Welsh said he was very grateful to present the Vinnies story to the group of students and teachers.  

“The more opportunities we get to make these types of presentations the more we get to bring awareness to the issues around poverty and disadvantage within our community,” he said.  

“Half of the goods collected from the school’s food drive were given to Vinnies, with the remainder going to a support group at Exeter High School which is also serving the local community.”  

The Society’s State Youth Representative Melodee Estcourt said the visit was part of a concerted effort to increase awareness and education about the services provided by Vinnies and how to access them. 

“This initiative is crucial for reducing the stigma associated with seeking assistance from Vinnies by informing young people about the services we offer and the circumstances that might prompt someone to seek our support,” she said.  

“The visits also provide us with a valuable opportunity to demonstrate to young people how they can contribute positively to their community. 

“From raising awareness about the issues faced by our community, to organising donation drives, primary-aged students have the potential to make a meaningful difference.”