More than 300 secondary students from Dandenong and their families celebrated their achievements as part of Monash University’s Hands on Health at the Drum Theatre on Tuesday 28th February.
The Hands on Health initiative prepares Year 11 and 12 students from secondary schools in Greater Dandenong for success in their VCE studies, while providing an insight into careers in the health sector and biosciences.
Tuesday evening’s celebration event, hosted by Professor Christina Mitchell, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University, showcased the achievements of the students participating in the Hands on Health program run in partnership with Southern Health, operators of Dandenong Hospital.
The Mayor of Greater Dandenong, Councillor Youhorn Chea, conveyed his support for the initiative as a special guest at the event.
“Hands on Health is seeking to provide the opportunity as well as the encouragement for these students to reach their full potential,” said Dr Andrew Block, Head of General Medicine at Dandenong Hospital and founder of the program.
“Through engagement in the Hands on Health program students are aware of the opportunities that tertiary education may offer,” said Professor Christina Mitchell. “Students have family, school and community support and we want them to know they can have successful careers in medicine, nursing, the biosciences and allied health.”
Obaid Sadath, a Year 12 student at Minaret College, encouraged all students in Dandenong to become involved in the Hands on Health program. Obaid has found the motivational speakers, VCE tutorial support and hands on workshops at Monash University and Dandenong Hospital extremely valuable and informative. “The program maintained a great balance of fun and learning,” said Obaid. “I now have a better idea about the environment in which health professionals work and this has helped me decide the course and career I want to pursue.”
