YMCA Healthy Living Magazine, powered by n4 food and health (Summer 2016) | Page 14

STUDENTS
STRIDE TOWARDS
AN INCLUSIVE
COMMUNITY

n 2014, two Year 11 students from Wodonga Senior
Secondary College noticed their class mates from
culturally diverse backgrounds were reluctant to mix
with the wider student population. Given this, The Peer
Support Program was born.

I

Starting as an after-school sports program, the Peer Support
Program quickly developed to include outdoor adventures
with YMCA Howmans Gap Alpine Centre and has since
proved a catalyst for teenagers to develop their social skills,
form bonds with other students, improve their English and
feel part of the local community.
Led by staff from YMCA Howmans Gap Alpine Centre, the
group of ten students spent two days hiking over the Bogong
High Plains. They carried packs and slept in tents,
undertaking an authentic camping experience in one of
Victoria’s most spectacular natural environments – providing
them with a quintessential Australian alpine experience.
The students come from migrant and refugee backgrounds
from countries such as Nepal, Kenya, the Philippines, the
Congo and Uganda.
Corey Montagnat, 17, is a Peer Support Leader from
Wodonga Senior Secondary College who attended the hike.

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YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016

He has been involved with the program for two years and is
passionate about the benefits of creating an inclusive and
welcoming school community.
‘When they bring their life that they had over there to here, it
changes your life a little bit too. It’s great’.
He thinks the outdoor experiences with YMCA Howmans
Gap Alpine Centre is essential for the success of the Peer
Support Program.
‘Everyone is out of their comfort zone and comes out of their
shells. It’s really good.’
The hike with YMCA Howmans Gap Alpine Centre was the
first time that many of the students had experienced camping
in the Australian environment.
Beatrice Nyandamira, 17, came to Wodonga one month ago
from Kenya. She believes that going on the hike was an
important part of forming friendships in her new home.
‘We get to socialise with different people from different places,
so it’s an opportunity for us to get to know each other more.’
For more information about the hike visit
www.walktowelcome.com.au