Leadership students at South Regional TAFE are working on a unique project that will help local community members during COVID-19 social isolation.
The students have made a wooden bead puzzle that will go to elderly residents in aged care facilities and early childhood students in local schools.
Lecturer Crosbie Vickers said the Certificate II in Leadership students came up with the idea after brainstorming projects they could complete without going out to into the community or attending a venue.
“They needed to work together to overcome the limitations of sticking to COVID-19 restrictions and still complete a group project that would help them develop leadership skills,” Crosbie said.
The students wanted to develop some sort of care package for elderly residents but a puzzle was suggested as a way of giving people an activity – something they can do to pass the time while in social isolation.
Students made the bead puzzle in the TAFE workshops.
Crosbie explained the puzzle was a small piece of rectangular timber, about 10cm long, with holes drilled into it. The beads are threaded into the timber through a loop of rope.
“It might seem like a very simple idea but it is actually a difficult puzzle to solve,” he said.
The puzzle will provide children and adults with mental stimulation as well as hand exercises.
“Our students are really excited about the project and can’t wait to start getting them out to the community,” Crosbie said.
Student Garrett Hope said that the bead puzzle project had been a positive exercise that demonstrated how people of all ages can come together to help others.
Garrett said his wife had completed the Certificate II in Leadership course at the Collie campus and recommended the course to him.
“The course has also helped me with my confidence and self-esteem.
“I want to show other people that no matter what age you are you can overcome life barriers and take steps forward to better yourself.”
Find out more about enrolling in a Certificate II in Leadership course at South Regional TAFE Collie campus (opens in a new tab) or phone 6371 3900. See the course on this Certificate II in Leadership.
Pic 1 (right): Leadership students Alex Coombe, Garrett Hope and Philly Simpson holding the bead puzzles that will go to community, aged care and education centres.