Coker takes democracy on the road for local students

A FEDERAL parliamentarian is bringing parliament to schools across the region, delivering an educational program that aims to bolster students’ civics and citizenship studies.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker has delivered the Commonwealth education initiative in 10 schools this year, helping to educate students about the function, purpose and value of Australia’s system of government, as well as Ms Coker’s role in her electorate and on parliamentary sitting days.

“As a former teacher, I love interacting with bright young minds,” Ms Coker said.

“This program is designed to be interactive and provide a real-life perspective on the Parliament, the Constitution and Federation, the three levels of government, the separation of powers as well as the role of democracy in our society.”

The program, which complements the school curriculum and can be adapted to both primary and secondary school students, is based on an outreach program from the Parliamentary Education Office (PEO).

“Parliament House in Canberra runs a school program led by the PEO, but not all students get the opportunity to travel to Canberra,” Ms Coker said.

“That’s why this is such a great initiative; I love taking this program on the road for all our local students.”

Clifton Springs Primary School is among the schools that have benefited from the democracy program this year.

“Libby’s session with our students engaged them with a conversation about the system and made parliament become alive,” Clifton Springs Primary School principal Meg Parker said.

“Libby spoke to and listened to students’ concerns and then linked concerns to the democratic process and explained how government can help them and how they can as citizens interact with the government.”

Ms Coker said the students she delivers the program to seem to enjoy the activities and always ask thoughtful questions.

“I hope the democracy session empowers them to be active contributors to our society.”