MORE than a hundred youths at risk in the Narooma district have benefited from the work of Campbell Page youth worker Aaron Williams.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But now his work is being cut short as the federal funding for the Youth Connections program ends on December 31
Youth Connections is a free service for those aged 11-19 who have not completed or are at risk of not completing Year 12, and have barriers to their education such as health and behavioural issues.
Among Aaron’s many success stories over the past two-and-a-half years was the expelled Year 8 student that came to him after being expelled but who is now working after having completed a TAFE course.
“Wow just look at him now,” he said. “These are the kind of benefits we were seeing through the Youth Connections program and our partnerships with Narooma High and the Student Engagement and Retention Program.
“We were dealing with kids who because of being suspended had missed up to 80 days of school.”
In addition to working with troubled youth and providing alternate education and assistance, he was also involved in a number of outreach programs that saw Aboriginal youths get involved in sport through the PCYC or get counselling or support through the Katungul Aboriginal health service.
He was also involved with the Partners in Industry and Education or PIE program that now unfortunately had also been wound up.
His job at Campbell Page ends on Christmas Eve but he plans to stay in Narooma and for now he will be happy spending time with his five children.
A Wiradjuri man originally from Peak Hill in the Central West, his wife’s family is from this area and he is staying here.
He hopes to find another paying job, but in the meantime he plans to volunteer with organisations such as the PCYC and Katungul and they work they do with Koori youth.
Campbell Page chief operating officer Dale Cleaver said since 2010, the organisation had been able to assist over 1100 young people in the region through Youth Connections.
“We are extremely sad to see program funding cease at the end of this year,” he said.
“Our learning coaches have accomplished great things with the young people, helping them find their way and finish their education.
“In the past five years, we have developed strong networks and partnerships with other local organisations and Youth Connections providers state wide. We will keep the informal networks going while trying to find other ways to help young people in the area.”
