by Deborah Rutter
Plan-it-Youth at Canowindra High School brings trained members of the community, as mentors, to work with students. The program aims to help students through Year 10. Volunteers bring life experiences to help guide students with future decisions on a one-on-one basis.
The Plan-it Youth Program was introduced to Canowindra High School in July 2005. It is a partnership between Department Of Education And Training and TAFE NSW.
The Aboriginal Education and Equity Programs Directorate is responsible for the management of the Plan-it Youth program in NSW government schools. They ensure high quality Plan-it Youth programs for government school students through the provision of policy, planning and coordination support.
Gathered data from departments and schools involved give positive evidence of the importance and success of this program.
Plan-it Youth strives for respect, acceptance and non-judging. All are treated equally regardless of faith, nationality, economy and history. Students and mentors come into this program, beyond all barriers, with the united intention to assist in seeking a positive future path for the student.
Students volunteer because they want a clearer insight into their future educational options. Improved communication skills, visiting possible work sites or learning the process of interviews are other experiences sought.
Some students may have low self-esteem and confidence or may not be experienced in talking to other adults beyond home and school.
Plan-it Youth, in Canowindra, is coordinated by Suellen Milham. Since its commencement 14 students from Canowindra High School have passed through the program and 8 Mentors have been trained.
Meetings are held for an hour each week extending over 8 weeks. Mentors are available to give further support to students if required
Mrs Bev Taylor, Careers Adviser and school facilitator of the Plan-it Youth program is also the local point of contact. She has been actively involved in this program since the first planning introduction at Canowindra High School in February 2005.
Mrs Bev Taylor said she 'Has seen positive changes in some students regarding self confidence and self esteem'.
"This is a very valuable program and there is nothing else like it in our school", Mrs Taylor stated. "It is very well run and administered. The Plan-it Youth Coordinator, ensures that all involved are aware of the smallest details".
Deputy Principal, Mr Steve Harvey, considers the Plan-it Youth Program to be a very successful scheme.
"Students are better organised. Vast majority appear calmer. They are more conscious about dealing with issues and more accepting of responsibilities. This program is invaluable! The students learn more effectively, they build better relationship skills which in turn builds better people".
Students have indicated that they have more clarity with greater direction. They derive more purpose and meaning at school.
Mr Steve Harvey commented on the student's ‘Expression of delight and wanting to meet with their mentor.' "You can look at how they act during and after to see that it works. This program has turned kids around".
Cooperation between Mrs Bev Taylor and Mrs Suellen Milham provides good insight into matching mentor and student. The support and advice shared between mentors is a great asset in giving their best to their student.
Students, teachers, parents and mentors work together for a positive outcome. Staff are dedicated and willing to adjust their busy schedule to provide the venue and required resources. Mentors are respectfully welcomed.
The unanimous hope is for this program to remain in Canowindra High School, to grow and assist more students in the future.
This program has drawn from the well of knowledge, existing within a community, sharing it without bias, with others for the betterment of all.
Mentors provide a neutral contact person, taking interest in the student's life. They become another cog in the student's developmental wheel of life, parallel to school, family and friends.
Further details or enquiries please contact Mrs Suellen Milham Ph: 02 6392 8400
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