OPTUS GRANT TAKES INDIGENOUS LEARNING TO A NEW LEVEL IN COWRA

Cowra High School will showcase its Indigenous afterschool homework program this Monday 13 May, thanks to $7,850 in funding from the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program.

Optus is supporting the delivery of Indigenous education programs in Cowra by funding the purchase of 15 laptops and software to enhance the learning experience for local students.

The Cowra High School runs an afterschool homework program to support Indigenous students from Cowra Public, Muylan Public and Cowra High schools in completing their homework. The Optus Grant was used to purchase 15 new laptops and accompanying software for the program. The school is already seeing results, with an increase in homework quality and enthusiasm amongst students.

Charles Gauci, Principal of Cowra High School, said, “A number of Indigenous students do not have ready access to books and computers which can make it harder to complete their homework and assessments. The ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program is helping us re-engage Cowra’s students with their education and become more confident in the classroom.”

Helen Maisano, Associate Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Optus said, “Technology can complement an effective education program like Cowra Public School’s homework program and Optus is delighted to support this innovation to take learning to the next level.”

The annual ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program awards funding of up to $10,000 to not-for-profit organisations that help build social inclusion and reconnect disengaged youth in communities. Since 2008, Optus has awarded $880,000 in grants to 165 community organisations across Australia.

Charles Gauci, Principal of Cowra High School; Cheryl McAlister, coordinator of Aboriginal programs; teachers and school children will be at the Cowra High School Community Learning Centre next Monday to talk about the success of the enhanced afterschool program project.

MEDIA EVENT:
WHEN: Monday 13 May, 4:00-5:00pm
WHERE: Cowra High School, Dowell Street, Cowra
WHY: A chance to interview school children who are using the new devices and assess its progress
ATTENDING: Charles Gauci, Principal of Cowra High School, Cheryl McAlister, coordinator of Aboriginal programs, teachers, school children and Optus

About Optus in the Community: For more information on the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program please visit https://www.optus.com.au/shop/aboutoptus/communitygrants.

Media contact:
Julia Clarke
Fuel Communications
(02) 8217 6505