Operation NewStart member, Jordan Mitchell, is one of the many examples of how the program can change the lives of students at risk.By Shaun Inguanzo
‘STUDENTS at risk’ is how a Dandenong youth worker describes the young people whose lives he helps turn around.
Educational course Operation NewStart is gearing up for a second term this year to help instil confidence and direction in young people who are underachieving or who lack the motivation to study.
Operation NewStart youth worker Scott Wellard said the program was hosted at Cleeland Secondary College, Dandenong.
He said every term the program took eight year-nine students from schools across Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia, and for eight weeks offered them an alternative curriculum to teach them goal-setting and achieving.
“It is an alternative outdoor program,” he said.
“We take them on a hike around Wilson’s Promontory, have a river adventure camp complete with challenges, we hike mountains, and they learn to get to the top and to persist to achieve something. It’s all positive.”
Mr Wellard said year nine was recognised by schools as a ‘pivotal point’ and that letting students slip in their education into year 10 could mean it was too late to turn them around.
The program is jointly run by Mr Wellard who represents the Department of Education, a non-uniformed police officer, and Cleeland Secondary College.
Mr Wellard said while not all students graduated, last term was the first time all eight students passed the course.
He said youth workers followed the youths’ progress beyond the eight weeks, with visits and phone calls for up to two years after they graduate.
“The students are more motivated and switched on following the course,” he said.
“They may still have anger and emotional problems but they have at least got the desire to improve it.
“They’ve started something they will hopefully continue.”
