Class looks at conflict

By Paul Pickering
AS A STUDENT, it’s not often that history actively seeks you out – it’s usually the other way around.
In a new La Trobe community initiative, though, local RSL members will soon be visiting hills’ secondary schools to recount their own wartime histories, taking students out of the textbooks and into the trenches.
The program is the result of a federal grant of $10,000 to the La Trobe electorate in 2005.
The funds were allocated for the commemoration of Victory in the Pacific Day, marking the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Upwey-Belgrave RSL member Rob Ferguson has spent the past two years compiling resources and materials to be included in education kits for local schools.
La Trobe MP Jason Wood was on hand at the Upwey-Belgrave sub-branch last Tuesday, presenting the kits to representatives of each of the RSL branches within his electorate.
The education kits include memorabilia, reading materials, workbooks, DVDs, CDs and a replica of a modern-day military ration pack for students to look through.
The RSL clubs will also have access to a laptop computer and projector screen with which to present slide shows. Mr Ferguson said the ration packs were likely to be particularly popular with the students.
“I think it will be great for kids to see what soldiers live on,” he said.
“While the project started with focusing on Victory in the Pacific Day, ultimately, it is about building a good education resource to take around to schools.”
Schools interested in being involved in the program should contact their local RSL branch.