Why we have this focus?

Young people’s success in life is closely linked to whether they are able to complete a satisfactory level of education.

ACOSS research shows that low education levels are linked to unemployment and subsequently the risk of living in poverty.

• People who have not completed high school have an unemplyment rate of 11.3% compared with 3% of people with a bachelor degree.
• In 2004, 97.5% of the 236,000 new jobs created went to people with skills and a university degree, a TAFE dipolma or equivalent work experience.

How we address this need?

For young people who are unable to maintain their education in mainstream schools, alternative models tailored to meet their special needs are critical.

At MacKillop Family Services these students receive special attention to their learning difficulties and behavioural concerns.

They now have a much greater chance of getting back into mainstream education ultimately leading to better employment prospects.

These young people have often experienced a number of previous accommodation and educational options which have been unable to meet their specific individual needs. The Rice program aims to work towards effective outcomes for these children and young people by providing consistent and intensive care across all aspects of the young person’s life over a period of at least two years.

Rice Education & Youth Services is limited to a maximum of 20 young people at any time.

St Augustine’s Education and Training at Whittington (Geelong) provides a range of specialist education services to children and young people under the age of 16 years who are at risk of leaving mainstream school or who are already disconnected from mainstream education. In this last year, 197 students participated in its programs.

• St Helen’s Learning Unit is a full-time withdrawal education service for primary students exhibiting severe difficulty in mainstream schools due to learning, social, behavioural and emotional issues. In the past year 13 students participated.
• St Augustine’s Learning Unit provides a full time withdrawal education service for secondary students aged 12 to 14½ experiencing severe difficulty in mainstream schools. In the past year 17 students participated.
• New Street Training Unit offers a transition to work or training program for secondary students aged 14-16 years. In the last year 42 students were registered with the New Street program. Some students have now transitioned to the Gordon TAFE College.
• Outreach services are also offered from the campus:
• Education Mobile Unit worked with 61 primary and secondary students who were considered to be at risk of disconnecting from mainstream education. Full day or half day withdrawal education services were provided. The service is funded by the three DE&T networks in Geelong and referrals come from the schools.
• Youth Ed-venture Program (YEP) is an outreach education service incorporating adventure therapy for young people disconnected from education. Priority is given to young people in out-of-home care and experiencing mental health issues. 40 students were part of YEP during this last year.
• Things of Stone and Wood is literally a hands-on program to engage young people who have been identified as being socially isolated and of low self esteem. 24 students participated during this last year.

List of current services

Rice Education & Youth Services

• Residential Units
• St Vincent’s Special School
• Care Team

St Augustine’s Education & Training

• St Helen’s Learning Unit
• St Augustine’s Learning
• New Street Training Unit
• Education Mobile Unit
• Youth Ed-venture Program (YEP)
• Things of Stone and Wood