Students at Belgrave Heights Christian School have joined around 5000 other young Australians in the past fortnight learning how to manage anger and handle conflict as part of the Pat Cronin Foundation’s campaign to stop senseless violence.
The Melbourne-based not-for-profit was established in memory of 19-year-old Pat Cronin, who tragically died after being struck by a Coward Punch in 2016. His story is at the heart of the presentations, which illustrate the devastating impact of social violence.
Pat was walking and talking straight after the blow but collapsed from a brain bleed within a couple of hours. His parents – Matt and Robyn – were forced to make the agonising decision to turn off his life support just two days later.
The Foundation, which is aiming to reach a million young Australians with its Be Wise Education Program by the end of 2027, recently delivered its signature face-to-face Violence is Never Ok presentation to more than 80 Year 9 students at Belgrave Heights (May 30).
“The presentation really resonates with students. And having someone from the Foundation deliver it personally makes the experience very real,” Year 9 teacher Rebecca Szalay said.
“We encourage our students to be ‘upstanders’ – that they support and lift each other up – and this is where the Pat Cronin Foundation’s visits are a perfect fit.”
Foundation director Matt Cronin said that looking out for mates and reminding them of choices such as walking away and defusing potentially violent situations, were just some of the real-world strategies emphasised during the presentations.
Mr Cronin said the program had grown far beyond the family’s original expectations.
“We started this with the hope of making a small difference, but it has grown into something far bigger than we ever imagined,” he said. “Now we’re focussed on reaching one million Australians with our messages.
“The level of engagement from schools has been remarkable. Around 60 per cent of Victorian high schools have partnered with us – which shows just how strong the demand is for practical, evidence-based education to help prevent violence.”
To find out more, visit https://patcroninfoundation.org.au/education/be-wise-presentations/
