Photo: ADAM McLEAN
Projects to help teens quit smoking, to tackle malnutrition in the elderly and to help teachers deal with students experiencing family breakdown are among those awarded grants by the University of Wollongong today.
A total of $50,000 was distributed to six projects under the university’s Community Engagement Grant Scheme (CEGS), which was established in 2005 to build collaborative projects with a clear community benefit.
‘‘The main aim of the scheme is to link various community and non-profit organisations with the experience, knowledge and resources of the university on a project of mutual interest,’’ UOW director of development and engagement Monique Harper-Richardson said.
‘‘Since 2005, $350,000 has been given to 46 projects in the Illawarra, and the Shoalhaven.’’
In the 2012 grants, Flagstaff Fine Foods received $8500 to make further improvements to their meals to meet the nutritional needs of the elderly.
Thirroul Neighbourhood Centre and Youth Drug and Alcohol Service was awarded $9845 to develop quit-smoking material targetting those aged 14 to 17.
The South Coast Family Law Pathways Network and Department of Education will receive $7500 to develop seminars for school staff in relation to family-law related matters like family breakdown.
Shellharbour Public Hospital’s mental health rehabilitation unit will get $5750 to implement a healthy lifestyles program.
Mt Terry Public School and South Coast Workers’ Childcare Centre will receive just over $8000 to develop an interactive whiteboard resource called Animal Alphabet Adventures and Kiama Community Colleges will get $9436 to establish pathways for their students to university.
These six community organisations will work with UOW researchers from a range of disciplines.