‘Bags of Hope’: TasTAFE Community Services learners support victims of family and domestic violence

In July, learners completing their Certificate IV in Community Services at Burnie Campus helped to develop a community project, focussed on family and domestic violence.

The learners chose this theme because incidences of family and domestic violence (FDV) are on the rise, not only here in Tasmania, but across the country. The statistics reflect that the majority of FDV victims are women – and they were the focus of this project.

Often when people are fleeing a violent situation they do so without any tangible physical or financial resources. Sadly, children are often also involved, creating major trauma and disruption to the family unit.

The learners consulted with the local women's shelter about the project. Discussions revealed that the learners’ idea of providing comfort items in tote bags – Bags of Hope – would be a good way of helping to fill a gap for people arriving at emergency accommodation, in many cases with only the clothes they are wearing.

The learners formed a committee, held meetings and approached the task in a professional manner. With terrific support from local businesses, in 3 short weeks the learners filled 20 tote bags – which were generously hand-made by the women's craft group at Peacehaven Nursing Home in Launceston.

The items donated included gift vouchers from Kmart, Woolworths and Coles; coffee cards from Banjo's Bakery; food vouchers from KFC South Burnie; cosmetics and fragrances; 3D-printed dinosaur eggs; personal hygiene and care items; hand-knitted teddy bears; chocolate (very important!); hair-care products; and toys, books and games – estimated to be worth more than $3000!

Rod Williams, Community Services Teacher, was very impressed with the learners’ efforts and the generosity of the local community.

“As their teacher it was very satisfying to witness this project morph from just an idea to a very successful undertaking. The learners really did play to their strengths and managed to complete what, quite frankly, was an amazing feat,” Rod said.

“Applied learning projects like these not only benefit our learners in developing their planning and communication skills, but also help them build their personal portfolios and seek employment opportunities in community development and project management.”

Congratulations to Rod and our Community Services learners on a very rewarding project.

Top: Certificate IV in Community Services learners at Burnie Campus.
Bottom: 'Bags of Hope' tote bags, supporting victims of family and domestic violence.