I've gained so much from the Project in terms of understanding myself and some of the things that have impacted my life and affected my behaviour. Participating in the VALTA Project has really opened a door for me in the sense that, for the first time, I've been able to connect some disparate sections of my life and make some sense of them. VALTA has given me a lot of tools to use in my personal journey. I expect that what I've learned will continue to affect me as it has given me the desire to learn more and a renewed determination to become a more whole person.

I had to stretch out of my own comfort zone. I learn effectively in standard ways. This has been really different for me. I have more empathy and understanding of what it's like for students to be presented with a learning situation that's different and not necessarily comfortable.

It's done incredible things for my self-esteem and confidence.

I'm just plain happier! Not that I was unhappy before, but I'm more relaxed and put more pressure on myself. I say 'no' more easily, ask for what I need more easily and spend less time worrying.

I've been trying to use a lot of it in my personal life. I've been living the VALTA Project since I began it. It has generated a lot of discussion at home, with my children and their friends. I've tried to encourage this sort of discussion and I think it's had some impact.

I have found this initiative to be the most rewarding and factual, and the most holistic of any course or program that I have been involved with. I have found that I have brought my whole person into all aspects of this initiative.

3. Increased Capacity to Address the Impacts of Violence on Learning

VALTA set out to strengthen the ability of participants to address the impacts of violence in their practice. The accounts of participants offer evidence of the considerable extent to which this desired outcome was achieved. In many cases, participants have overcome their own fears and discovered strengths and capacities they didn't know they had. They are more able to hear about violence and to respond in supportive ways without feeling the responsibility of solving others' problems. Perhaps most importantly, VALTA has inspired a passion among participants for making a difference in the lives of people who have experienced violence.