Last year, a group of Year 9 students embarked on the Impact Innovators CUBE elective, a program designed to connect students with real-world clients to develop meaningful products, services, or solutions. Their journey led them to Orana Neighbourhood House, where they conducted surveys to identify community needs and pitched projects to address them. From this process, the idea of an Intergenerational Group project emerged – a response to Orana’s desire to engage with younger audiences.
Through multiple iterations, the students refined their vision and decided to plan an Open Day for the organisation. Their goal was to showcase Orana’s classes and activities, sparking interest among younger generations. With dedication, they reached out to experts, considered council constraints and worked on developing a budget to bring the event to life. They developed key assets – such as an advertising campaign, schedule for the potential event, and potential pop-up cafe ideas – and shared these many proposals with Orana staff at the end of Term 4 2024.
As a testament to their hard work, Orana Neighbourhood House adopted the students’ plan and invited them to help run the event. Last weekend, their vision became a reality! The students took on key roles, greeting guests, running the raffle and setting the tone for an engaging and welcoming atmosphere. Their efforts extended beyond logistics – they coordinated live music and even joined in an impromptu group song, adding a personal and joyful touch to the event.
CUBE Teacher , Birgit Verhagen, commented on the culmination of our students’ hard work:
The collaboration between our students and Orana Neighbourhood House was not just about organising an event; it was about fostering real-world connections. Through this experience, students gained invaluable skills in communication, creativity, and collaboration, all while making a tangible difference in their community. The members of Orana Neighbourhood House expressed their gratitude, acknowledging that without the students’ input, this event would have remained just an idea.
This CUBE project exemplifies the power of engaging with local organisations, demonstrating how real-world learning can lead to meaningful outcomes. Our students not only applied their curriculum knowledge but also developed transferable skills that will serve them in future endeavours. Their commitment to community connection has left a lasting impact, showcasing the importance of youth involvement in local initiatives.
