mmg.com.au

Bullying, boredom and school work overload are some of the biggest issues facing youth today according to a group of students from Benalla College and FCJ.

Years 10, 11 and 12 students from the local high schools have spent the past six months developing ideas that can be used in developing the Benalla Rural City youth strategy.

After surveying their friends and family, students collaborated on the data they had received this year and then last year presented it to key service providers who gathered at BPACC for the day-long seminar.

Council community development co-ordinator Leanne Robb said the strategy was expected to be released in about four weeks’ time.

“I think it’s crucial we involve the students in the planning, without their input it goes nowhere,” she said.

“We developed it for young people by young people.’’

Mrs Robb said it was all too easy for “us adults” to talk about what we wanted for our young people.

“They are our future and young leaders so this gives them the opportunity to build on their leadership skills,” she said.

The youth strategy will be developed from data collected by consultant Lisa McKoy.