Still in need of help

By Lia Bichel
THE Chief Executive Officer of Narre Community Learning Centre Wayne Hewitt is advocating the reinstatement of the VCAL funding which he says benefits numerous disadvantaged people in the community.
The NCLC is a registered training organisation and provision of vocational education is one of its primary objectives.
“The money we are given for the VCAL co-ordination goes to meeting the needs of a different cohort of kids with a variety of different needs,” Mr Hewitt said.
“Our entire intention is to make their experience as good as possible.”
Mr Hewitt said many youths entered the program and intended on staying for six months to receive their Year 10 equivalent, but ended up staying for three or four years and getting into the Senior VCAL group. Staff and NCLC and Hallam Senior College discussed their concerns about the funding cuts with Shadow Minister for Higher Education and Skills Steve Herbert last week.
“Both Narre Community Learning Centre and Hallam Senior College VCAL program provide students with an essential education alternative to the VCE and a pathway into training apprenticeships,” Mr Herbert said.
“Teachers, students and their families in the Casey area understand the importance of this vital program and the negative effect it will have when schools are forced to reduce programs because of Mr Baillieu’s cuts to the program.”