CMY celebrates learning communities at the first virtual MY Education Awards
Last night CMY celebrated the 6th MY Education Awards and first virtual ceremony; a wonderful celebration of triumphs, despite the challenges 2020 has presented. What better way to reflect on the innovative learning that has happened remotely, than to celebrate from the comfort of our homes.
A special performance from the CMY’s Awa Intercultural Choir project kicked off the event, followed personal reflections by Shout Out speakers, Komal Grewal and Joshual Sim, who spoke about their volunteer experiences at homework clubs.
“What homework clubs represent and signals to kids, is that somebody cares and is willing to help them, and that fosters a sense of self and identity,” Joshua said.
CMY CEO Carmel Guerra thanked OSHLSPs for their support and acknowledged the many programs that have gone well beyond offering education support, “we have heard from many programs about the food packages delivered, the learning materials and devices supplied and the wellbeing check-ins across Victoria – it hasn’t gone unnoticed.”
Although there were a reduced number of awards this year, the large number of nominations meant judges did not have an easy task at hand shortlisting and choosing the winners.
Tim Richardson MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Schools, joined the MY Education Awards for a second year to show his ongoing support for the sector, and presented the awards. Congratulations to our two very deserving winners:
- Banksia Gardens Community Services Study Group for Out-of-School-Hours Learning Support Program of the Year – Metropolitan
- Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council – Diversity Homework Club for Out-of-School-Hours Learning Support Program of the Year – Regional/Rural
Edgar Caballero from Banksia Gardens Community Services joined us online from home to accept the metropolitan award, and spoke about reaching out to families of students early in the COVID-19 pandemic to identify exactly what their needs were and how they could best support them.
Sarabjit Kaur, representative from the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council – Diversity Homework Club, said when they switched to online learning, their club started off with a small number but has since grown to 28 students who regularly attend. Their four volunteers grew to 12, who Sarabjit said have been the backbone of the club – going above and beyond to assist the students with learning remotely.
“I’m proud of the amazing work from the entire communities who came together and the families who are now professional Zoom users.”
Sarabjit Kaur
Big congratulations to the runner-ups, Jesuit Social Services – Flemington Homework Club and St Vincent De Paul – West Warrnambool Education Program, and all of the shortlisted clubs who have gone above and beyond to support learning communities through the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more about all of the shortlisted nominees
The MY Education team and CMY thanks the OSHLSP sector and acknowledges the tremendous effort put into ensuring students from refugee and migrant backgrounds across Victoria are supported in their learning.
Below: Watch the reflections on remote learning from homework club coordinators, volunteer tutors and students, during the COVID-19 lockdown.
MY Education