Pupils in call to banish poverty

By Tania Martin
STUDENTS from across the Hills are sharing their passion for making poverty history.
A forum conducted by V-Generation, which is the 15 to 24-year-old arm of World Vision, gave Hills students the opportunity to have their say on poverty issues.
Alana Smith of V-Generation approached La Trobe MP Jason Wood several months ago to help organise the forum.
Students from St Josephs College in Ferntree Gully, Emerald Secondary College, Belgrave Heights Christian School and Upwey Secondary College participated in the forum.
Ms Smith said students from each school gave a five-minute presentation during the forum on what poverty means to them.
“Some talked about poverty and others sang songs, lit candles or performed a little skit,” she said.
Ms Smith said the students will now go back to their school and make plans to raise awareness of poverty.
Mr Wood said he is inspired by the students’ passion to fight harder for Federal Government funding for making poverty history.
Mr Wood said the forum opened his eyes to how enthusiastic La Trobe youths are at helping to raise awareness of poverty.
“I was delighted to support this forum,” he said.
“It is a great opportunity to discuss this important issue with our young people.”