b'GRANTSA student addresses the I CAN Expo 2025BASS COAST COLLEGEbreak down social isolation and build broader community Senior Art Camp connections.The inaugural Bass Coast College Senior Art Camp was aThe Karenan ethnic minority from northern Myanmar who student-led initiative that enabled students in Year 11 tohave been persecuted by the ruling juntabegan settling in experience Melbourne over three days. Australia two decades ago and many live in regional Victoria.The arts, cultural and learning activities included visiting art galleries and making art; a behind the scenes tour at ArtsIn partnership with Black Hole Theatre, participants Centre Melbourne; attending Victorian Operas production(including Karen elders) created a theatre work of Sweeney Todd; and experiencing IMAX Melbourne, whichincorporating giant lantern puppets, projections, video, has the largest cinema screen in the southern hemisphere.recorded text and elements of traditional Karen culture, Students were introduced to a range of dining experiences,such as dance, poetry and music.including a banquet at Nyalas African Restaurant inThe project culminated in performances on 1 and 2 November Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. 2025 at the Nati Frinj Biennale in Natimuk, Victoria.All planned activities were chosen with student input and to boost students confidence, broaden their horizons andI CAN NETWORKprovide new experiences. I CAN Expo 2025For a decade, the I CAN Expo has played a vital role in the BANKSIA GARDENS COMMUNITY CENTRE lives of autistic and neurodivergent young people from After School Program across Victoria.After-school study groups provide individual tutorials andThrough the Expo, participants build social connections, recreational activities three times a week to help youngconfidence, and a strong sense of belonging.people connect with their community, engage in education, finish secondary school and create expansive pathways forThey meet peers with similar experiences, form networks, the future. take part in activities, listen to (or deliver) student presentations, access information, and explore education BLACK HOLE THEATRE and employment pathways beyond school.Stories from the Karen This year was the 10th anniversary of the event, and it Stories from the Karen was initiated by the Karenmore than doubled in size to accommodate more than 620 communities in Horsham, Nhill, and Bendigo. attendees. A new venuethe Melbourne Convention and Participants included young Karen people and youngExhibition Centrehosted the Expo on Thursday, 9 October people from other cultural backgrounds. The project helped2025.14NEWSBOYS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2025'