31/10/11

Challenger students ensure Spring is in the air

A group of enthusiastic Challenger Institute of Technology students last week hosted a ‘Sounds of Spring' fundraising concert and raffle at the institute's Fremantle campus.

The 12 students enrolled in Certificate (II and III) in General Education for Adults (CGEA), worked on the project for eight weeks and organised the entire event, from initial planning to arranging the musical acts and promotion of the concert.

CGEA lecturer Ellen Kenny said the students' efforts in putting together such a large-scale event was admirable and they were a credit to themselves and each other.

"The group have come a very long way from when we first started talking about this project, Ms Kenny said. "The students have grown and stretched themselves and their abilities to their fullest individual potential.

"It was particularly pleasing to see how the group included every class member in the planning of the event. It was very much a team effort," Ms Kenny continued.

"We have one deaf student in the class who, despite some communication hurdles with team members, has had an instrumental role in the organisation of the event. Everyone was made to feel included and supported throughout this entire project."

CGEA Certificate II student and experienced musician, Susi Paul, led in the organisation of the project.

"When we were presented with the task, the class first devised the concept of the concert. The group had witnessed me performing my own songs in the classroom and thought the concert was a good idea," Ms Paul said.

"My main goal was to provide a forum for those who wouldn't normally have the chance to perform onstage and, in doing so, increase their confidence."

"It's been great for me to be given the opportunity to perform my music in class and be able to develop my songwriting as a creative activity. I'm also delighted that the concert has opened up the opportunity for other students outside the Institute to work with our students."

The concert was supported by Diploma of Music students from Central Institute of Technology.

The CGEA students opened the event by performing an Australian Sign Language (AUSLAN) assisted performance of a poem ‘This place' written by Susi, which celebrates their journey as adult learners.

Funds raised from the ‘Sounds of Spring' raffle are going towards supporting deaf orphans throughout the world. Most of the prizes for the raffle were kindly donated by local businesses, and sourced by the students in their own time.

Challenger Institute of Technology's Certificate in General Education for Adults (CGEA) is designed for adults who are seeking further general education and personal development. The course assists people in preparing for employment, further training or participation in the community.