La Trobe students Nepal bound
La Trobe students Nepal bound
The Logged On Foundation has signed an agreement with La Trobe University to provide students with opportunities for professional experience in Nepal.
The agreement, signed by Professor Betty Leask, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at La Trobe University and Mark Pinoli, CEO of Logged On, starts off a five-year cooperation that focuses on placing pre-service teachers in schools in Nepal through Logged On’s Pathways Program.
The Pathways Program, now in its sixth year, tries to be a best practice model for volunteering. It helps address some of the needs of local communities in Nepal while developing the professional capacities of Program participants.
“Logged On is a development agency dedicated to helping less privileged children and community groups in Nepal and so we also have a responsibility to ensure that volunteers have a positive impact on the communities where they are placed” says Mark.
“Over the years, we have developed a collaborative Program by working closely with leaders and professionals in Nepal to create a positive environment for volunteers, and with Universities and their students to deliver transformative educational programs for children and the community.”
“That’s what sets us apart from other placement agencies and we are working very hard with our all of our partners to help ensure a positive impact for all stakeholders.”
Logged On is currently collaborating with three Australian universities with another two Universities taking advantage of the Program later this year, in Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia.
“Pathways Program participants in the past have been able to develop a broader range of teaching and learning approaches and an appreciation of different perspectives and local realities on education. We are keen to work with La Trobe to strengthen our contribution to student’s experience of Nepal and their professional development” says Mark.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of supporting young Australians in developing their knowledge of our region and helping them to develop a greater regional focus in their academic and career aspirations. In 2017, the Government’s New Colombo Plan has provided grants for more than more than 7,400 students to take up internships in countries throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Some of those grants support student placements in Nepal.