Music helps fight harassment

Cranbourne Secondary College student Ryan spins the decks with support from, from left, Lauren Ward of City of Casey Youth Services, guest presenter Ben Ellis and Cranbourne Secondary College Youth Worker Sarah Vanis.Cranbourne Secondary College student Ryan spins the decks with support from, from left, Lauren Ward of City of Casey Youth Services, guest presenter Ben Ellis and Cranbourne Secondary College Youth Worker Sarah Vanis.

By Melissa Meehan
CRANBOURNE Secondary College students turned the tables on vandalism and harassment last week.
A group of male students in Year 8 have been learning DJ skills in the mobile youth service Vibe Bus every Tuesday since 31 July. The boys showed off their new skills during a lunchtime DJ performance encouraging students to say no to vandalism and harassment. City of Casey director of community services Jennie Lee said the boys worked together with Cranbourne Secondary College’s youth worker Sarah Vanis and council staff mixing music tracks and developing artworks that addressed issues of vandalism and racism among the school community.
“The aim of the project is to deliver programs for at risk Year 8 boys using music to develop healthier relationships within the school community,” Ms Lee said.
The initiative has proven to be a success, Ms Lee encouraging other schools to work together with the council on similar community projects.
“This initiative is a great example of a school being proactive and working with council on a strategy that engages young people and celebrates the positive skills that they have to offer,” Ms Lee said.