The Making it Real Enterprise Learning Project has reached the end of it’s three year funding period. The project achieved a great many positive results through the drive of the young people participating in activities and the financial support from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

Making it Real provided young people with hands on learning experiences through a technology recycling program (Technology For Teenagers T4T) and a youth multimedia broadcasting project (Numb Productions). Young people were also provided with Business Skills Training and development opportunities through the program and project activities.

Throughout the course of the program 156 young people have been involved in the hands on activities. In addition to this there are approximately 20 primary school aged children and 25 secondary school aged young people who have been interviewed as part of the 14 podcasts and vodcasts. To date 77 recycled computers have been distributed to families with primary, secondary and post compulsory school students. Hundreds of kilos of eWaste has been diverted from landfill and young people have become more environmentally and socially aware.

The project has provided learning experiences for young people in a multitude of different forms and has been a learning experience for both teacher and student alike. This has contributed to creating an enterprising culture among young people in the community.

Making It Real will continue to have impacts in Ararat and Stawell long after the funding period is completed. The podcast and recycling activities will continue in some form and we will encourage and nurture entrepreneurial thinking and action in young people.

Thankyou to all the people involved in Making It Real. I am sure that the young people, mentors, staff and supporters were all tremendously proud of what we have achieved and are looking forward to a bright future.