Bundaberg Christian College Year 9 students were joined by Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett at a roadside clean up event this month, ahead of Clean Up Australia Day.
In the lead up to Clean Up Australia Day, Bundaberg Christian College Year 9 students combed the roadside at Innes Park in an effort to keep our region clean and litter-free.
Bundaberg Christian College spokesperson Sam Hodges said ahead of the national clean up event next month, students were able to reflect on the impact each and every one of them had on the environment.
“We were joined by Stephen Bennett MP who helped us fill our bags and encouraged the students in doing such a great job,” he said.
The initiative was part of the school’s ‘The Rite Journey’ program, aimed at Year 9 students to support their development in becoming responsible and resilient adults.
“Participating in a community event like this is one of many activities students at Bundaberg Christian College do each year as part of The Rite Journey program,” Mr Hodges said.
“The Rite journey is a program that reinvents the traditional process of a Rite of Passage to assist in transitioning Year 9 students from dependency to responsibility.
“A feature of the program is specially created ceremonies held throughout the year. These celebration points follow the seven steps of a hero’s journey.”
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett congratulated the school on the initiative.
“The Rite Program seems to be having a positive impact on these students and is clearly transforming their lives,” Mr Bennett said.
“During the roadside clean up event, I met some very respectful young students who were eager to do their bit in our community. It was really wonderful to see and I commend Bundaberg Christian College.
“What was disappointing, however, was the sheer amount of rubbish that we were collecting along that road. It was appalling to see so much rubbish had been discarded on the side of our roads.”
Mr Bennett is encouraging locals to pitch in on Sunday, March 4, for Clean Up Australia Day.
“Everyone can do their bit to look after our region and create a cleaner, greener environment.”
ENDS.
Tuesday, 13 February 2018