Initiatives targeting Recommendation 18

Victoria

Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) trials

These trials will be framed around four compulsory Curriculum Strands, covering literacy and numeracy; work related skills; industry specific skills; and personal development.

Target group: As a new qualification alongside the VCE, VCAL offers another pathway to all post compulsory students, with a special emphasis on applied learning.

Coverage: In 2002, trials will be conducted in up to nine regional locations across the State, involving fifteen government and five non- government schools and two TAFE Institutes. An array of other organisations are participating in various VCAL partnerships associated with the trial sites, including Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) providers, local employers and community groups, and the Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENS).

Timeframe: Following the trial in 2002 and pending a successful evaluation, to be offered widely across Victorian government and non-government schools in 2003

Responsible Agency: Victorian Qualifications Authority (VQA)

Website: www.vqa.vic.gov.au/vqa

Community Strengthening Initiative

This program consists of 76 projects across Victoria and aims to enhance the capacity of local communities to respond to drug issues.

Target group: Young people in their local communities, with a particular emphasis on Koori young people and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities

Coverage: State wide

Timeframe: 2002 - 2003

Responsible Agency: Department of Human Services, Rural and Regional Health and Aged Care Services Division, Drug Policy and Services

Website: www.dhs.vic.gov.au

My Connected Community

My Connected Community is a virtual space where communities interact online. The main objective is to encourage community groups to create online communities by offering free Web-based services.

Target group: Community groups, specifically from non-English speaking backgrounds, people with disabilities and regional groups, especially those with limited Internet skills and experience

Coverage: State wide

Timeframe: 2001 - 2002

Responsible Agency: Multimedia Victoria (Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development and VICNET