Students work alongside Compass trainees as part of curriculum

Seated, from left, Maddy, Emma and Ella from Immanuel, and Courtney from Compass, standing.

Hannah from ILC and Bella from Compass.

Last Thursday, the staff and Trainees at Compass Farm in Palmwoods played host to Year 11 students from Immanuel Lutheran College, as part of their RAVE (Religious and Values Education) Retreat.

“It is an incredibly rewarding exchange,” said Compass Institute’s Head of Business and Growth, Sandra Brodie.

“At Compass, we approach further education and vocational opportunities for people with disabilities in a way that values and respects their right to learn and to make meaningful contributions to the world,” she said.

Maddy and Emma (ILC) with Jennifer (Compass).

“Programs like that run by Immanuel Lutheran College are fantastic in that they give students the opportunity for insight into what life looks like for others and to be part of a collective experience that brings people together and can help shift perceptions. Through visiting Compass, the students were able to work alongside our Trainees (people with disabilities), to see what they are capable of, and to be exposed to a disability service that is quite different from many other organisations in the sector.

 “We place a lot of emphasis not only on our learning and development programs and providing as much opportunity as possible to cater to different needs, but also on selecting and developing the right people to work alongside our Trainees. They are not “carers”, but energetic, passionate, professional people with unique skillsets, who share our core values and beliefs in seeing our Trainees as assets and empowering them to express their true potential.”

“The RAVE retreat provides our senior students with a practical opportunity to give back and pay it forward in our community,” said Immanuel’s Head of Department Christian Studies, Sandy Page.

“It encourages students to contemplate and live a life of love and truth. Love is embodied in this context by service, compassion and paying it forward. It is about recognising the needs of others and developing strong leadership skills to serve.”

The students also spent time at Immanuel Gardens Aged Care in Buderim and the Salvation Army Family Store and the Suncoast Care Supermarket in Nambour.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have this network in our community,” said Mrs Page.

“They are so happy to work alongside our students and allow them to assist, whilst at the same time, connect with people from all walks of life whose experiences are often very different to their own.”