At this week’s meeting we were inspired by Lisa Vagg and Russell Kerr, who shared the story of Hands On Learning — a program born at Frankston High School and now running in over 140 schools nationwide.
By giving students one day a week to learn through real projects in schools and the community, Hands On Learning builds skills, belonging and confidence. Locally, Mt Eliza Secondary College has proudly embraced the program since 2014, with Rotary Mt Eliza supporting student projects along the way.
Hands On Learning: Building Belonging Through Doing
At our recent Rotary Mt Eliza meeting, we were privileged to hear from Lisa Vagg and Russell Kerr, founders of the Hands On Learning program — an innovation that began locally at Frankston High School over 25 years ago.
The program was created to re-engage students who were struggling in traditional classrooms, giving them one full day a week outside of the classroom to work on practical projects in schools and communities. From building huts and bridges to refurbishing gardens and cafes, students gain not just skills, but also a sense of belonging, teamwork and pride.
Russell shared stories of students who arrived disengaged but flourished when given the chance to “learn by doing.” One memorable moment was a student who, after helping build a bridge in Rosebud, said it was the first time anyone had ever thanked him for something he’d done.
Today, Hands On Learning operates in more than 140 schools across Australia, with 70% of them in rural and regional communities. Locally, the program has been running at Mt Eliza Secondary College since 2014, with students building bases, gardens, and even an aviary. Rotary Mt Eliza has proudly partnered with the school to support these initiatives.
Lisa emphasised that these projects not only keep young people engaged in education, but also build vital life skills: teamwork, communication, resilience, and contribution to community.
We thank Lisa and Russell for sharing their passion and for reminding us of the transformative power of giving young people the chance to shine.
