Stories From Learners

Ashleigh

‘Everyone is different but they accept you, including the teachers.’

It can be hard to admit that a traditional school environment doesn’t work for you. But Ashleigh had got to the stage where she didn’t want to get out of bed in the morning.

‘It got really bad. I just didn’t like it. I didn’t fit in.’

She looked around for other options and came across a Learn Local in her community. She is now studying for the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL). The VCAL program at her Learn Local gives Ashleigh practical work-related experience, reading, writing and maths skills and the chance to develop personal skills for work and life.

‘You fit in easily here. Everyone is different but they accept you, including the teachers.’

After Ashleigh finishes her VCAL modules, she wants to work in childcare.

‘I just need to do the Cert III then the Diploma.’

The rest of the class is outside planning an excursion. They sit comfortably with each other in the sunshine, and talk over the top of each other about who needs to do what.

‘I just thought I’d give it a try. Now I love it and I love school.’