The power of positive learning
It is an unfortunate fact that throughout Queensland there are many young people who will begin to disengage from school at an early age.
A 2005 report by James Cook University identified low self-esteem, truancy and aggressive and anti-social behaviours as key factors in student disengagement. The Queensland Government is helping to address these factors through its Support and Strengthening (SAS) program.
Community renewal zone manager for Townsville Greg McKillop says the SAS program equips students to return to mainstream schooling rather than down the path to exclusion.
"This is a sports-based program for students aged nine to 14. Students are placed in groups of five, and each group attends the program once a week. The activities undertaken are an effective, positive and enjoyable way to teach students about communication, self-control, personal responsibility and leadership," Greg says.
The program follows the successful collaboration in 2006 between the Townsville District Positive Learning Centre (one of several centres established to cater for students whose behaviour is disruptive in mainstream schools) and the Townsville Police Citizens Youth Club, to develop a program that teaches students teamwork, self-esteem, trust and conflict resolution skills. The program soon expanded into the Upper Ross and West Townsville areas.
"Through a combination of funding from the Department of Education and Training, the Queensland Police Service and the Queensland Government's community renewal initiative, a further 200 students participated in SAS," Greg says.
The outcomes for the project have exceeded expectations. Midway through the project's early phase, the PCYC reported 50 per cent of participants had returned successfully to school, 26 per cent were still engaged in, and benefiting from the program, while 14 per cent had left the program and been referred to more appropriate services.
In 2009, the SAS program is being delivered through Police Citizens Youth Clubs in Townsville and the Upper Ross region, Beenleigh and Logan regions.
Referrals to the program come from positive learning centres, behaviour management units and other schools in the areas. Phone Townsville PCYC on 4779 5843.