By Casey Neill
Girl Guides at Dandenong West Primary School need help to continue their Victorian-first project.
Seven girls made their Girl Guide Promise at the school on Thursday 17 August to become one of the 10 million Girl Guides throughout the world.
The program has been running for just over two years with support from Girl Guides Victoria and school principal Bev Hansen.
“The school was the first school to trial Guiding in Schools as a lunchtime program,” Jeanette Cox said.
But the Girl Guides Victoria funding will stop at the end of the year.
“So we are looking for sponsorship to maintain the program into 2018 and beyond,” Ms Cox said.
She said 14 girls from Grades 4, 5 and 6 met at lunchtime on Thursdays and learnt leadership skills, communication skills and team work.
“They are also involved with outdoor activities and service projects in our community,” she said.
Projects have this year included Clean Up Australia Day, Tree Day and a Reconciliation Week ceremony at Greater Dandenong Council.
“We had seven girls go on an overnight camp last term which was run by Girl Guides Victoria,” Ms Cox said.
“This was an amazing opportunity for our girls as four of them had never been away from home and many had never seen the Australian bush.
“They also met other Girl Guides and formed very close bonds with each other.”
