| Youth: ru MAD? |
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r.u.MAD? stands for ‘Are You Making A Difference?’
and was developed by the
Education Foundation (Melbourne). The Bank of I.D.E.A.S. is embracing the r.u.MAD?
concept in its own community of Kalamunda W.A. and as a key C.R.E.A.T.E. Initiative
resource. r.u. MAD? is an innovative learning framework that allows students to develop a project in response to their aspirations and concerns about their community or the wider world. Following the steps – discussion, research, action and evaluation – students come up with ideas and implement their project. It allows schools to deliver on the Essential Learning in a way that is very powerful for students. There are three levels of madness-
Recently, Bank of I.D.E.A.S. was asked by the Education Foundation to establish an r.u.MAD? in Western Australia, providing support for 30 schools to enhance r.u.MAD?, and communities to introduce MAD Days. |
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A MAD Day is a one-day activity that allows schools to explore the concepts of student action and awareness to create positive change in the community. A MAD Day helps to introduce the concepts of youth participation in the community in a way that is fun and engaging. Most importantly, it develops a day of action that empowers students to discover that small acts can Make A Difference. In 2005, over 500 schools were involved in a national r.u.MAD? Day. It was a great opportunity to raise the profile of schools and spread the word about student’s achievements and interests.
The Kalamunda MAD Day is scheduled for 26 October, 2006.Kalamunda MAD Day will help schools facilitate the concepts of youth participation in the local community in a way that is fun and engaging. Most importantly, it will develop a day of action that empowers students to discover that small acts can Make A Difference. At least 15 Kalamunda schools have already committed to participation. |
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MAD Day examples include: Myrrhee Primary School VIC: created ‘bully proof vests’- T-shirts with a slogan that empowers the wearer against bullies. The students formed partnerships with secondary students to help design their vests. Seeking sponsorship, students wrote to the Bonds Company who gave them t-shirts to print their slogans on. Auburn Primary School VIC: wrote to the Principal and School Council asking for a plaque to commemorate the Wurrindjeri as the original inhabitants. Ouyen Secondary College VIC: created "Life in a Country Town". A proposal to halt a toxic dump planned for Ouyen and the kids wrote letters to the Editor, Member of Parliament and created a mural for display. |
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| A MAD long term project example: Youngtown Primary School TAS: The year 3/4 class decided vandalism in their community was something that they wanted to change. Young people conducted their own research into vandalism and invited special guests such as the Mayor to talk to them about vandalism and its impact on communities. Armed with meaningful data and knowledge young people have worked on transforming key ‘trouble areas’ into positive and inviting places. A MAD Foundation example: The Kid to Kids Alieu Foundation was formed by 28 students in Brunswick, Victoria. It raises awareness of the needs of the people of Alieu in East Timor, receives submissions from the village school and supports them with fundraising and materials. Any subject or program area can be delivered within the r.u.MAD? framework. There is no financial cost to participate. Assistance is available through:
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For more information choose from the following:
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