Participants in the youth-led late-night library pilot at Tura Marrang Library in September. Photo: Vega Valley Council.
Chilling out at the Tura Marrang Library has proven to be a great way for young people to connect.
The Late Night Library project is one of four innovative concepts developed as part of Vega Valley Council’s Youth Speak Future Shaper program.
Cal Champagne, Youth Resilience Officer for the Council, said that since the Vega Valley Youth Forum in May, young people across the Shire have connected and collaborated on the themes and ideas that emerged at the event. He said that he was
“Through pop-up sessions at the library and the Future Shaper camp in July, four strong project concepts emerged,” says Cal.
The Late Night Library project is off to a strong start following a pilot conducted at the Tura Marrang Library on Friday, September 30th. His second pilot at the same venue is scheduled for Friday, October 28th.
“The Late Night Libraries project is about maximizing public spaces where young people can connect, create and have fun,” says Cal.
“The event was attended by 45 young people between the ages of 12 and 24. We were provided with free dinners, a music jam corner, art supplies, video games and collaborative art pieces. was.”
“Feedback has been very positive, and the project team has taken suggestions to consider a second pilot.”
As well as the Late Night Library Initiative, the Council is considering other projects such as the Youth Connect App, Sprouts in Youth Gardens, and Street Art Programs.
“Each of these projects has gone through a screening process to ensure that they are what Shire youth want, are achievable, and effective in meeting their needs,” Cal said. rice field.
Each group works with experienced community mentors who work with young people to build initial project ideas and ultimately develop solid plans to launch and deliver projects.
“The role of a mentor is not to lead, but to solve challenges and address obstacles to success,” explains Cal.
“Throughout the process, our young project leaders explore the value of project management techniques, learn, and develop the skills they need to work effectively within teams and in a community environment.”
The Youth Connect App project is focused on developing a digital platform designed to bring together event and support information for youth in one place.
The project team will host a series of free app development workshops in Bega and Eden in November and December.
“The team is keen to have 12- to 24-year-olds with an interest in coding and app development,” said Cal.
The Sprout the Youth Garden and StreetArt project team are planning the path of the project and planning the first mini-project.
There are also a number of projects still in the design phase, such as a disaster-focused project being developed in partnership with Eden Marine High School and Eden Community Access Centre.
The Council also launched a TikTok channel for the Bega Valley Youth Speak project with the aim of capitalizing on the social media platform’s growing popularity among young people.
If you are interested in the planning process or would like to become a member of these projects, please contact Cal. [email protected]
For more information on Youth Speak, the Future Shaper Program and the Future Shaper Project, please visit the council website.
