The Keep On Learning program is a ground-breaking partnership between Wallara and Monash University. Initially led by Dr Sarah Hopkins, the program began in Berwick in 2014 and paired young adults with a disability who wanted to improve their literacy and numeracy skills with pre-service teachers who needed experience in creating inclusive classrooms.

This year the program was launched at Monash’s Peninsula campus under Dr Ruth Jeanes’ leadership with health and fitness students.  It will run for 11 weeks, with 18 Wallara clients taking part in a variety of health-related activities scheduled by Monash students.

Two or three students are assigned to the role of ‘lead’ teacher and are responsible for planning, organising and reflecting on the session. Up to 60 Monash students overall are involved in the program, which ensures a wide variety of activities for the Wallara clients.

The activities vary from physical exercise in the gym or dance studio to classroom sessions relating to health and wellbeing. The team attended the first sessions and it was clear the students were creative in planning their sessions to ensure engagement throughout the course of the day.

“The program has been a wonderful opportunity for our student health and PE teachers to learn about how to work inclusively in real-life contexts,” Dr Jeanes said.  “It is also a great way for the university and Faculty of Education to connect with our local communities. The students are clearly challenged to think how they can adapt their practice to meet the diverse needs of the Wallara clients and it has been a great learning experience for them.”

A Monash student said the program was challenging at times, but added: “I've learnt so much about how to teach inclusively.”

This has also been an amazing opportunity for Wallara because its clients get to experience university life on campus and build relationships with a wonderful group of students.

The most rewarding moment is when the Wallara clients proclaim: “I am going to uni today.”