WAUCHOPE High School students are stepping beyond the classroom and into their community through a volunteering program led by teacher Whitney Clayworth.
The program has been running for almost a year and was established by Ms Clayworth to give students opportunities to make a positive difference.
“One of the things we hope to achieve through our volunteering program is to create a culture of service within the school,” Ms Clayworth told News Of The Area.
“We want students to understand that volunteering isn’t just something you do to get a certificate or fulfil a requirement – it’s because you care about the people and places around you.”
The program operates during the school’s sport period, providing an alternative activity that allows students to regularly work with community organisations.
Students have volunteered with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Wauchope, helping with its community garden and SouperVan program, as well as supporting Wauchope Preschool, Beechwood Public School, and local opportunity shops.
Ms Clayworth said the number of organisations working within Wauchope had been an eye-opening discovery for both her and the students.
Volunteering was also providing an important opportunity for young people to build face-to-face relationships.
“We live in a world where young people are increasingly connected digitally, but not always meaningfully connected in person,” Ms Clayworth said.
“Volunteering helps to rebalance that by building real-world relationships and community engagement.”
Students gain experience and skills for future employment and develop connections with adults in the community.
Wauchope High School Principal Karen Noble said the program strengthened the school’s relationship with the wider community.
“Our school is an important part of the Wauchope community, and we want students to feel that same sense of connection,” Ms Noble said.
“Volunteering allows our students to contribute to the community they’re part of and to understand the value of helping others.”
Students also learn about fundraising, taking an idea through planning and execution before presenting money or donated goods to a chosen organisation.
Ms Clayworth hopes the experiences will establish habits that continue long after students leave Wauchope High School.
“Hopefully, these experiences become something students carry with them beyond school and encourage them to continue volunteering in their communities as they get older,” she said.
By Sis HIGGINS
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