STUDENTS from a Victoria Point State High School mentoring program have gotten their hands dirty helping to construct a memorial for guide dogs.
The memorial at the Guide Dogs Queensland head office in Bald Hills will bear plaques dedicated to community sponsors and working guide dogs.
A Guide Dogs Queensland spokesperson said it would provide a place for visitors to sit and reflect on the impact of past guide dogs and people who left legacy gifts to the organisation.
On May 3, 13 Victoria Point State High School students and two teachers helped to plant bushes and shrubs and lay mulch and turf for the memorial.
Youth Support Coordinator AJ Masefau said the memorial's designer had helped the school with the construction of its sensory garden in 2017.
"Our sensory garden was designed to help students with their mental and physical health and provide a respite for them," he said.
Mr Masefau said he had seen an opportunity for students to serve the community through taking part in the memorial project.
The spokesperson said it was wonderful to have students on site to build their understanding about the journey of a guide dog and the impact they could have on people living with low or no vision.
"We are always encouraging young people to get involved with Guide Dogs," the spokesperson said.
"It's a great way to develop new skills and learn more about themselves and the community."
Mr Masefau said working on a Guide Dogs Queensland project had helped students gain a sense of purpose and develop team skills.
"It's nice for them to know their work goes towards something significant," Mr Masefau said.
"It also helps them build relationships with each other."
The expected official launch date of the memorial garden is August 2.
