Forty students and four teachers from across Gippsland have been selected to take part in the Victorian Government’s $13 million Victorian Young Leaders to China (VYLC)
State-wide program designed to support students studying the Chinese language and culture.

Four schools, each having 10 students and one teacher selected, will travel to China next year. The Year 9 students will undertake a six-week Chinese language and culture immersion course in China. The four Gippsland region schools are:

• Kurnai College
• Koo Wee Rup Secondary College
• Lowanna College and
• Traralgon College

Students will be based in high performing host schools in Nanjing and Shanghai.

Year 9 is a crucial stage of a student’s development and the program is specifically designed to engage students in their learning and propel them towards success in Year 12.

It provides students a life changing opportunity to live in and attend school in China, and combines language and cultural learning with personal development and leadership skills.

Department of Education and Training research shows that a transformative learning experience at Year 9 can make all the difference to a student’s education outcomes.

Since March 2014, 335 students from 44 Victorian schools have participated in the VYLC program, with 73 students expected to travel to China by the end of December 2015.

Quotes attributable to Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria Region

“Congratulations to the forty Year 9 students from four Gippsland schools who are off to China for this exciting language and cultural experience as part of the Andrews Government’s investment of almost $4 billion to make Victoria the Education State.”

“these opportunities are incredibly valuable – they enrich students’ education, build confidence, create lifelong memories and are a huge boost to achievement in Year 12 and beyond.”

“By giving Gippsland students this chance to live and study in China, we are preparing them to live and work as citizens and future leaders in an inter-connected global community.”