Helen Worladge OAM: the Program Manager of Education CHANCES, Jeff Lampard: Chaplain, Counsellor and Education CHANCES Nominator of Balwyn High School. Ian Salek was Chair.
On Tuesday evening 15th March Rotary Glenferrie welcomed two Speakers. They were Helen Worladge OAM, the Programs Manager of Education CHANCES Foundation and Jeff Lampard the Chaplain, Counsellor and CHANCES Nominator at Balwyn High School.
Education CHANCES is strongly supported by our Club. Funds raised at the Farmers Market are shared equally between the City of Boroondara and Glenferrie. Negotiated by John Hudson during his time as Market Director the Council’s share is directed to Education CHANCES and is supplemented by Rotary Glenferrie’s contribution.
Helen told the Meeting that Education CHANCES vision is to provide an opportunity for talented youth by removing financial hardship barriers for young people 12 to 25 years in Boroondara by redressing poverty, social isolation, and disadvantage (lack of money, resources and networks). It also aims at providing a range of flexible support options- tailored to meet the need of each person. Uniforms, camps, excursions, music lessons, leadership classes are most requested.
Jeff Lampard who had 37 out of 40 Applications accepted in 2021 mentioned the benefits flowing from Education CHANCES support. These included increased well-being, a better home life and family relationships, improved financial position and increased connection with the school and local community.
An Independent Evaluation of Education CHANCES in 2017 found that “for every dollar invested in Education CHANCES between $12 and $17 of social and economic value was created.”