Bundaberg Christian College students visited Bundaberg Regional Council today as part of a program to prepare them for adulthood and the workforce.
Teacher Sue Hibbard said the students, all from Year 9, were taking part in a tour around the Council Chambers with Cr Helen Blackburn to help them engage more with people and learn how to have conversations.
“This is all part of The Rite Journey Program which is a year-long program transitioning our students from childhood to adulthood,” Sue said.
“The students focus on four questions over the year which include: Who am I really? How do I get on with others? Is there something more? and What have I got to offer?
“Included in the program is a range of activities and events for the students to participate in throughout the year such as being assigned a mentor, a camp and a homecoming ceremony.”
More than 60 Bundaberg Christian College students take part
Today, Sue said the 62 students were visiting 12 businesses and organisations around the region as part of the team building aspect of the program.
“Coming to Council is part of seeing what happens in society,what council does for us and how you can serve others,” she said.
“We want them to have conversations with people.
“It is intentional growing up.
“It teaches, respect, responsibility, resilience, reliability among other things.”
Sue said the students were split into small groups and were left to their own devices to make sure they made their meetings.
“They are responsible to be in the right place at the right time, we want them to shake hands, introduce themselves and have conversations,” she said.
“We are really overwhelmed with the support, the business community has been really amazing getting on board with this program.”
“The students have met with Council, The Information Centre, Members of Parliament, the Post Office and more.”
Council welcomes students to chambers
Cr Helen Blackburn said the Bundaberg Christian College students involved in today's meet and greet showed great enthusiasm for the workings of local government.
“The students had a tour of the Council Chambers and our facilities and were very keen to learn all about how we operate,” Cr Blackburn said.
“We discussed a range of things including Council's role in roads, rates, rubbish and more and I gave them some advice to have perseverance, resilience and tenacity into their future.
“It was a pleasure meeting with and chatting to these 62 students and I congratulate Bundaberg Christian College on their efforts of bringing these young, aspiring people together with Council and other organisations within the community.”
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