20 December 2022

Roger Jaensch, Minister for Education, Children and Youth

More Hands-on Learning for Tasmanian students

More Tasmania students will participate in hands-on training each week after the Rockliff Liberal Government announced additional funding to double the schools taking part in the 54 Reasons – Hands on Learning program.

Building on the success of a practical, school-based engagement Pilot that commenced in 2021, the Tasmanian Government is investing a further $783,000 to enable another 18 schools to participate in the program over the next three years.

Minister for Education, Children and Youth, Roger Jaensch said we know education and training requires a diverse approach to increase student engagement and improve learning outcomes for our children and young people.

“The 54 Reasons program involves students spending one day every week outside the classroom working collaboratively on practical, creative projects around the school and in the local community,” Minister Jaensch said.

“As part of the program, students participate in projects like building or repairing infrastructure, or running a café, to develop a number of job-ready skills, including building confidence, self-awareness, collaboration, problem solving and communication abilities.”

Seed funding provided by the Tasmanian Community Fund and the Government enabled 54 Reasons to establish partnerships with 18 Tasmanian Government primary and secondary schools to implement the program in 2021-22.

Minister Jaensch said the experience of the pilot schools had been very positive with improved student outcomes, including increased attendance, retention and enhanced wellbeing.

Data from the Tasmanian Pilot shows:

• 81 per cent of parents said that since participating their child’s confidence had improved
• 88 per cent of parents said the program played a vital role in their child’s wellbeing
• 75 per cent of parents said the program is the key reason their child is more engaged and motivated to attend school
• 70 per cent of school staff have indicated the ability of participants to work positively with a range of students and teachers has improved since their involvement in the program

The Rockliff Liberal Government is giving our young people the education and training they need, and I look forward to seeing the continued success of this program in more Government schools.

Quotes attributable to:  

David O’Sign, State Director Tasmania, 54 reasons

“We are very pleased to expand our partnership with the Tasmanian Department for Education, Children and Young People to enable more schools to access Hands on Learning’s practical education program, which is already making a real difference in the lives of students in the state,” Mr O’Sign said.

“We know that early intervention helps to foster school engagement and there is a vital link between wellbeing, learning and positive pathways, so it is fantastic that more young people in Tasmania will now be able to benefit from this proven approach to learning.”

Sally Darke, Chairperson, Tasmanian Community Fund

“The Tasmanian Community Fund is delighted to see the Tasmanian Government supporting Hands on Learning with their expansion,” Ms Drake said.

“The Tasmanian Community Fund has supported Hands on Learning for the past three years and we have seen first-hand the positive impact they are having on engaging young people in learning.”

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