Contacting New Literacies
Sally Brennan
CEO, UYHC
In a recent address to students at the University of Stamford (USA) Frances Moore Lappé recalled the question that drove her to write her landmark book, "Diet for a Small Planet".
"Why hunger? I figured the first thing that every creature does is feed itself and its offspring — if we're not succeeding with that, what's up with us?"
This chimes in strongly for me, and has a bearing on the work of the Upper Yarra Community House. It's about communities taking responsibility for their young people. It's about refusing to accept a status quo that allows so many to fall by the wayside. But there's another reason for me telling this story.
I am able to hear the Aurora Forum at Stamford Uni because Stamford has released it as a podcast. These technologies that have been so appropriated by consumerism also have incredible power to share and enrich learning. Our project in New Literacies is dedicated to finding new ways to offer learning opportunities to the local community and beyond.
Upper Yarra Community House (UYCH)
UYCH started life as a Neighborhood House offering a couple of courses, and has grown into a provider of TAFE programs, specialist programs for young indigenous students, and courses for early school-leavers and youth at risk.
