Funding available for schools to access an education program at Zoos Victoria in 2010

Applications are open from 23rd November 2009 to 12th February 2010

Zoos Victoria acknowledges The Ian Potter Foundation for their support and funding of this program.

Access for All provides children from ‘disadvantaged' and regionally isolated schools with the opportunity to visit the zoo or sanctuary and attend an interactive education session at no charge.

Engaging young people of all backgrounds with wildlife through hands-on experiential learning allows students to connect with wildlife, develop deeper ecological understandings and take tangible action for wildlife. Through building a connection with the natural world, Zoos Victoria strives to provide all young people to develop a passion for wildlife and care for the environment.

The program objectives are:

• to ignite budding 'environmentalists' from within low socioeconomic groups.
• to support a large youth cohort from disadvantaged backgrounds to have greater awareness of wildlife and have ongoing access to relevant information about animals and the environment through the zoos' website.
  

Recently we've observed an increase in requests from disadvantaged and regional schools to attend one of our zoo properties at no cost or at a subsidised fee. In line with our vision, Zoos Victoria believes that all children should have the opportunity to form an early memory of visiting the zoo or sanctuary, perhaps for the first time, and gain an understanding about the wild and natural world that humans share with animals. The support of The Ian Potter Foundation is gratefully acknowledged as helping Zoos Victoria achieve this goal.

What is covered under the Access for All program*?

• travel to the zoo or sanctuary - transport costs will be part or fully reimbursed to the school dependant on amount applied for
• student entry to one Zoos Victoria property and an education session - the learning programs available are outlined at www.zoo.org.au/learning

*Zoos Victoria reserves the right to allocate funding for a different amount of students than applied for, or part reimbursement of the bus cost to ensure equitable distribution of funds under the Access for All program.

Which schools are eligible?

• Open to schools in Victoria
• Consideration will be given to schools that have have not previously been able to access one of our zoo properties, listed as ‘disadvantaged' or from regionally isolated areas.
• Able to visit a Zoos Victoria property within the 2010 school year
• Applications must be endorsed by the school principal
• Able to complete a short evaluation of the program

My school is eligible, how do I apply?

• Download the Access for All Application form
• Complete all the details, include a signature from your principal and attach a quote for transport costs to your nominated zoo or sanctuary
• Return the application form to Margaret Harwood at Zoos Victoria via email mharwood@zoo.org.au or by post to PO Box 74, Parkville, VIC 3052
• Any further question please contact Margaret Harwood on 03 9285 9462

Access for All program timelines
Applications Open - 23 November 2009 to 12 February 2010
Zoos Victoria Notification to School Applicants - by 15 March 2010

		Application form ZV Access for All Application Form.doc  ( 466 KB )