Lakes College Blue Haven NSW

Lakes College, Blue Haven is a Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off The Streets School. Lakes College is an alternative high school dedicated to providing tailored and focused education for students who may be at risk of falling behind in mainstream schooling.

When approaching the S.E.A.T. Project we decided to undertake a “pay it forward” mindset. The students worked together to build their SEATs and learn about the project. They chose a person or organisation to inspire their design. Each student chose a charity that they wished to “pay it forward” to. The profit from these SEATs will be ‘grown’ by the students in a maths/commerce task. The final amount ‘grown’ by each student will be given directly to their chosen charity.

Therefore, by the time the project is finished each little SEAT would have:
– provided work in a sustainable factory in Vietnam
– supported The Real Foundation (as 10% of the initial profits made by S.E.A.T. are donated to this organisation)
– given our students at Youth Off The Streets an opportunity to engage in a meaningful project crossing multiple curriculum areas (including maths, literacy, design, visual arts, commerce, and service learning)
- supported an organisation beyond Youth Off The Streets with all profits going to different charities/community organisations”

Amy Gill – teacher, Lakes College Blue Haven NSW

The student’s SEATs have been auctioned off, raising further funds for their designated charities. The students have started their own social enterprises to raise more awareness of their chosen charities – this is still in motion!

Here are some of the initiatives the students have put together:

WILDLIFE WARRIORS – Inspiration Steve Irwin

Proceeds from the sale of this SEAT will go to Wildlife Warriors ﬁghting for an extremely important cause – to protect our wildlife and wild places!

THE SMITH FAMILY – Inspiration Tupac Shakur

Proceeds from the sale of this SEAT will go to The Smith Family supporting our belief that every Australian child deserves an opportunity to build the best possible life.

ACT FOR PEACE – Inspiration Anh Do

Proceeds from the sale of this SEAT will go to Act for Peace who strive to achieve safety, justice and dignity in communities around the globe threatened by conﬂict and natural disaster.

THE GENDER CENTRE INC – Inspiration Marsha P. Johnson

Proceeds from the sale of this SEAT will go to The Gender Centre Inc. Australia who are committed to developing and providing services and activities, which enhance the ability of people with gender issues to make informed choices.

CANCER COUNCIL – Inspiration King Lil G

Proceeds from the sale of this SEAT will go to Cancer Council Australia’s leading cancer charity, working with and for the community across all cancers, for everyone affected by or concerned about cancer.

AUSTRALIAN MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY – Inspiration Bethany Hamilton

Proceeds from the sale of this SEAT will go to Australian Marine Conservation Society and will help save our marine sanctuaries from destructive oil, gas and damaging commercial ﬁshing practices.

DOLLY’S DREAM – Inspiration Amy “Dolly” Everett

Proceeds from the sale of this SEAT will go to Dolly’s Dream who aim to be a voice for those that cannot speak for themselves.

WORLD VISION – Inspiration Anne Frank

Proceeds from the sale of this SEAT will go to World Vision and will assist is protecting lives, restoring dignity, and renewing hope in the world’s toughest places, where children need urgent help.

PCYC BATEAU BAY – Inspiration PCYC

Proceeds from the sale of this SEAT will go to PCYC Bateau Bay, who offer a fantastic mix of activities for all members of the Central Coast community.