Isuzu Backs Student Voices in Continued Life Ed Victoria Partnership

According to Life Education Victoria’s most recent Student Feedback & Evaluation report, 88 per cent of primary-aged school students feel more confident about making healthy choices thanks to education programs backed by Isuzu Australia.

The findings come as the country’s number one truck brand extends its longstanding partnership with Life Education Victoria for another two years.

The ongoing partnership will further support the not-for-profit education provider’s development of learning programs that help Victorian children make informed decisions about their health, wellbeing and safety.

The Isuzu partnership helped implement the organisation’s Student Feedback & Evaluation program in 2025, giving Life Ed Victoria a clearer understanding of what children take away from its sessions and where further support is needed.

Strong numbers

The report draws on 1,722 surveys from students in Years 3–6, alongside 258 early learning surveys completed by educators.

During the reporting period, Life Ed Victoria reached 27,664 primary school students across 153 schools and delivered a further 540 sessions at 314 early learning centres.

Among the students surveyed, 89 per cent found their session fun and engaging, while 99.8 per cent reported learning something new, they could use in daily life.

The feedback also captures practical lessons in children’s own words.

“Friendship isn’t just talking and playing, you also need something called empathy. Empathy is thinking about how others would feel,” said one Year 4 student from Doncaster Gardens Primary.

We’re all ears

Life Education Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Samantha Weatherald, said listening to students was essential to keeping the learning relevant and timely.

“A session can be lively and enjoyable, but we also need to understand what children have learned and what they feel confident putting into practice,” said Ms Weatherald.

“Isuzu’s support allows us to hear directly from our students to identify what resonates and understand where we might need to explain something differently or provide more support.

“That feedback is critical. It helps shape how we deliver our programs today and informs the education initiatives we develop for the future.”

Life lessons

The findings reveal both strengths and some opportunities.

Following smoking and vaping education, 96.2 per cent of 132 students reported greater confidence in making smart choices. In a separate question about solving friendship problems, 27.8 per cent of 273 students surveyed remained unsure about their confidence.

For Life Ed Victoria, these responses contribute to the organisation’s approach to continued improvement and development of the program content, reinforcement and delivery.

Important work

Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Harbison, was highly supportive of this new dimension to the partnership with Life Ed Victoria and noted the deepened value the surveying and reporting added to the education programs.

“Effective education involves clear understanding of what resonates with children in these programs and what information they retain after the session ends,” said Mr Harbison.

“We applaud Life Ed Victoria’s approach and their investment in identifying what lessons have landed with students and where more attention is needed. That gives the team meaningful evidence to keep improving this important work.

“We’re proud to support that process and to continue a partnership that means a great deal to our people and the communities we serve. It’s fantastic to see new generations of young students grow up with Life Ed and mascot Healthy Harold the giraffe.”

Onwards & upwards

The next chapter will see Isuzu support the development of Harold’s Big School, an early years transition module helping children in their final year of preschool approach primary school with confidence, curiosity and a sense of belonging.

The module will encourage children to talk about feelings associated with new experiences, develop independence through simple self-help skills and practise positive classroom behaviours.

“Starting school is a significant change for children and their families,” said Ms Weatherald.

“Harold’s Big School will help little learners explore that change in a familiar, supportive way, building confidence as they prepare for a new environment.”

Mr Harbison said the next initiative reflected the partnership’s focus on critical early learning.

“Helping children feel comfortable asking questions, seeking help and joining in is an important step in their next stage of learning,” he said.

“We’re delighted to help Life Ed Victoria bring that opportunity to our youngest learners.”