Emerald Secondary College students Ethan, Shannon, Ben, Jarrod and Tamika found their voices in the Shout Out! project. 70975 Picture: Donna Oates
By Russell Bennett
Cardinia Shire Council spearheaded the Shout Out! project which combines combining personal development with performing arts.
Emerald Year 8 and 9 students shot a range of short films.
Plotlines included peer pressure to smoke, making others feel left out and miscommunication within friendship groups.
And for students who did not feel up to starring in front of the camera, Shout Out! also allowed them to have behind-camera roles.
“The kids were really proud of themselves,” said Emerald Secondary College’s welfare co-ordinator Rebecca Williams.
“And the school is proud of them, too.
“They really put themselves out on a limb and they got a lot out of it, too.
“The program is great for building self-confidence.
Some of the students involved in Shout Out! last year acted as mentors for the Year 8 and 9 students this year.
“Anything that engages the kids is a powerful thing,” Ms Williams said.
“This is an opportunity for them to speak up for themselves and let their own voices be heard.”
The Emerald Secondary College group worked with professional film makers and writers and the Gemco Players theatre.
Cardinia Shire Council’s youth development officer Emma Carter said Shout Out! took the students on a personal journey and allowed them to truly express themselves.
“They felt smoking, self esteem, communication and friendship were the greatest challenges when dealing with body image issues,” Ms Carter said.
She noticed “considerable change” in the way the group involved in Shout Out! interacted with their peers, how they respected themselves, their self esteem and confidence and ability to cope with difficult situations.
“Creating short films that convey positive and meaningful messages is a great peer education model that has outstanding outcomes for the young people involved,” Ms Carter said.
Shout Out! was jointly funded by Cardinia Shire Council and the Victorian Government through the Go For Your Life campaign.
