THE CLARA WEEKES PROJECT

BRINGING THE UNION MOVEMENT TO VICTORIAN SCHOOLS

What is the Clara Weekes project?

The Clara Weekes Project aims to educate students about their rights at work and about the values of unionism.

Whether schools are looking for guest speakers for economics or legal studies subjects, or are preparing students for work experience, the Clara Weekes Project can provide an interesting, well-resourced and interactive session on young peoples’ rights at work.

Young union officials are available to visit schools and deliver presentations, targeted at students from Year 9 upward, on:

• the role of unions and industrial relations
• the history of trade unionism
• rights and responsibilities at work
• occupational health and safety.

Schools are also invited to visit Trades Hall, and learn about the history of Australia's union movement through a tour of our heritage building; the oldest Trade Union building in the world. 

Who is Clara Weekes?

The program is named in honour of Clara Weekes, a teacher born in 1855 who was Secretary and President of the Victorian Lady Teachers’ Association for a period of over 20 years, working to improve the conditions of women teachers. Clara Weekes went on to be involved in the Victorian Women’s Suffrage Society and the Women’s Temperance Union.

Arrange a visit to your school

To arrange a Clara Weekes Project school visit, please contact the VTHC Youth Organiser Kara Hadgraft on 03 9659 3511 or email youth@vthc.org.au