Hundreds of local students make pledge for their future

The Real Futures Program has seen students from Moama Anglican Grammar, St Joseph’s College Echuca, Australian Christian College, Echuca Twin Rivers Specialist School and St Joseph’s College Echuca attend various career development events throughout the year.

These include a Leadership Development Day in February, a Business Breakfast in March, a Career Expo in May, and the Pledge Ceremony in August.

The ceremony aims to inspire and support the students in their commitment to furthering their schooling, finding employment or attending higher education.

Uncle Rick Ronnan commenced proceedings with a welcome to country before guest speaker Noah Downie was asked to address the students.

Mr Downie was a Beacon Leader in 2016 when he attended Moama Anglican Grammar and spoke about how the program helped him identify his desire to work in the agricultural sector.

Student representatives then had an opportunity to ask questions to a panel of three local community members who had succeeded in their various careers.

The panel comprised painter and decorator Bree Forge, farmer Jack Trewick and community engagement officer at headspace Echuca Jayden Howe.

The 2024 Beacon Leaders were asked to sign the pledge for all students to conclude the ceremony.

Echuca Moama Beacon Foundation project manager Cath Elms highlighted the importance of the ceremony for the students so they feel supported and inspired to find employment upon leaving school.

“The Pathways Pledge Ceremony is an important event where students are invited to make a serious public commitment to actively pursue further training, education or employment beyond high school,” she said.

“Our schools, sponsors and supporters are also invited to pledge their commitment to supporting our students in their journey. This is a display of strong community spirit, ensuring students feel supported.

“The inclusion of guest speakers provides real-world context to the opportunities and challenges associated with the transition from student to the world of work.”

Mr Howe, who spoke on the panel, was thrilled to be asked to speak at the Pathways Pledge Ceremony and was pleased that the students got to hear different people in various industries.

“It was humbling to get asked to speak here today; I am very passionate about supporting young people,” he said.

“I love speaking at these Beacon events because I think the students need to hear the message that the world has changed; there are so many jobs that people don’t know about.

“I think it’s important to have a panel of people as it allows the students to hear from diverse voices and experiences, not just the singular journey.”

Mr Howe, who has worked as a teacher and is now in a role that focuses on the wellbeing of young people, emphasised how important the Real Futures Program is for helping students find careers they enjoy.

“It’s so important to find a career that you like and get enjoyment out of every day; you’ll be more motivated to work and excel in your career,” he said.

“Life is hard, so imagine going somewhere for eight hours a day, five days a week and hating it. That makes life even harder.

“It is inspiring to see these students, particularly the student leaders, putting their hands up and wanting to support their peers.”