These students are not just hitting the books – they’re helping victims of violence in dire need and giving back to their community.
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The students at Crusoe College have embarked on a mission to raise money for local women’s empowerment group Zonta.
The eager students have been working to raise $1200 for the cause, which would see around 60 boxes of toiletries provided from women fleeing violent homes.
The boxes, containing small home comforts such as shampoo, soaps and sanitary napkins, can mean the world to women who have left everything behind.
Crusoe College student Ryllee Waite came up with the idea for her Advance class to give to the group because of her passion for the local and the global.
When she leaves school, Ryllee hopes to become an aid worker overseas in a developing country.
“It popped into my head because there are not many other organisations like it,” she said.
“And us girls in the class could relate, because it was about girls.”
The students agreed it was a good way to give something back to the community.
“[Domestic violence] is something that could happen to any of us,” classmate Amanda Rodda said.
The students have been selling chocolates to reach their aim, with a staggering 10 kilograms of chocolate on offer for the winning raffle ticket.
Zonta media liaison officer Rosalie Lake said the school’s kind donation would mean “an enormous amount” to their club and the women they help.
“It will be about a a fifth of what we supply in any one year with that donation,” she said.
Sadly, there is a high need for the essentials packs.
“Our coordinator of our toiletry packs took 60 in the past couple of weeks. There is quite a demand for them.”
“That’s 60 women and children experiencing domestic violence.”
The packs go to wherever there is need – to Annie North refuge, Haven; Home, Safe, the Centre for Non Violence and even to an Indigenous group in Mildura.
“It's wonderful to see young people supporting clubs like ours.”
It’s just one community project for the Advance class, which teacher Roahn Harrison said aims to mould students into mindful community members.
The students also volunteer overseas, gain first aid qualifications, help out at a local nursing home and swim with the seals.