A Victorian TAFE and its students have designed and implemented a new strategy to make people of different backgrounds and identities feel safe and included across its campuses.
Minister for Training and Skills, Gayle Tierney said the GOTAFE Social Justice Charter was officially launched in Shepparton after several months’ consultation with about 540 students and staff, led by a group of 18 students and alumni.
“The document aims to embed the five key principles of Respect, Equity, Participation, Diversity and Empowerment into all aspects of GOTAFE’s operations, systems and infrastructure for students and staff,” Ms Tierney said.
“That includes the creation of prayer rooms, multilingual interactive displays on campus, and LGBTQI+, autism and mental health training for staff,” she said.
“GOTAFE has more than 9,400 students across nine campuses; almost 75 languages are spoken across its student body and around 11 per cent of students and four per cent of staff identify as having a disability.”
Ms Tierney said the Social Justice Charter built on GOTAFE’s dedication as a leader in inclusive education for which it was named the Inclusive Training Provider of the Year at the 2020 Victorian Training Awards.
“We’re committed to giving every Victorian access to a quality education and making them feel safe while they study – which is at the heart of GOTAFE’s new Social Justice Charter,” the Minister said.
The 24-page GOTAFE Social Justice Charter can be accessed at this PS News link.
