Lessons close to home
by Heather Leggett
For a group of UniSA Education students, homework has taken on a whole new meaning.
As members of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), Lisa Holyhrim, Simone Segat, Rita Boutros and Aaron Davis have taken their lessons out of the classroom and into their northern Adelaide community, developing a range of programs to help disadvantaged school students in the region.
Faculty Advisor and program mentor Denise MacGregor, says that the students’ involvement in SIFE has increased their understanding of social disadvantage and the impact this can have on learning outcomes.
"Northern Adelaide is known for its low levels of school and university attendance," she said. "As the first in their families to attend university, these students are living proof of what can be achieved with the right support."
The programs, which ranged from the development of sensory teaching aids to the exploration of alternative energy sources, were brought to schools in collaboration with the University Northern Area Partnerships (UNAP) project.
The students were asked to present their initiatives to a national audience at this year’s SIFE competition in Sydney. Speaking on behalf of the group, team leader Aaron Davis said that it’s an experience he’ll never forget.
"Our projects have helped shape positive futures for disadvantaged students," he said. "It’s been a great honour."