Victoria University Polytechnic’s Youth English Program has won the Multicultural Award 2020 for Excellence in Vocational Education and Training.
This award recognises innovative education programs that deliver outstanding learning and teaching to enhance the social inclusion, wellbeing and education outcomes for students from CALD communities.
The Youth English Program is designed for young people learning English as an Additional Language (EAL). As part of the Western Melbourne English Program (WMEP), our EAL courses are designed to strengthen students’ reading, writing, speaking, listening and numeracy skills.
Our Youth English Program has seen more than 1,200 youths complete the 22486VIC Certificate III in EAL (Access). Our English students gain confidence from acquiring foundational English and exposure to personal development activities through our holistic and practical curriculum. They also often pathway into further education and training, and continue forwards to be contributing members of society.
As the University of Opportunity and Success, we celebrate cultural diversity and are committed to providing inclusive and quality education to communities in the west of Melbourne. Our Youth English Program student cohort includes new migrants and refugees aged 17–24 years who reside in Melbourne’s west.
We are one of the largest providers of EAL education in Victoria and have a proud history of helping our students achieve success in study, work and community integration.
Wayne Butson, Dean of VU College says:
“Our program has created a truly unique learning experience that integrates community participation, social connection, personal development and career pathways through exposure with numerous industry partnerships.
Our team of dedicated and experienced youth specialist teachers delivers this program not only to establish language and literacy acquisition but to ensure personal development and connections are established. Lifelong skills are cultivated through work experience and personal development education in areas such as sport, water safety, driving skills, health and wellbeing.
Students who complete the program serve as important role models to other youths in their communities. They demonstrate what is possible in terms of language acquisition, community engagement, study and career.”
Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence
The awards honour outstanding individuals and organisations that foster cross-cultural understanding, support migrants and refugees, and celebrate and preserve the diversity of cultures that make Victoria such a great place to live. This award recognises an outstanding educational practice that enhances intercultural understanding and meets the needs of children and young people from diverse communities.
The Education award category is coordinated and judged by the Department of Education & Training. The Multicultural Awards for Excellence ceremony was held on Wednesday 16 December 2020.