By CASEY NEILL
Cash to help school-leavers back into education is flowing in the south-east.
Through a state-wide $8.6 million pilot program dubbed Navigator, the South East Local Learning and Employment Network (SELLEN) will help 12 to 17-year-olds who have become disconnected from school to return to the classroom.
It will partner with Taskforce Community Agency, South East Community Links (SECL), and Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS) to work across Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia.
“They will be doing the case management and we’ll manage the contract and reporting,” SELLEN CEO Andrew Simmons said.
“This was a welcome relief that the State Government has stepped in and seen this as a priority for funding.”
Mr Simmons said the State Government’s Navigator pilot replaced the Federal Government’s lapsed Youth Connections program.
“In 2014 they serviced 516 young people,” he said.
“Six months after the program, 87 per cent were still engaged in education and training.”
He said the pilot should gather data and evidence to support the expansion of the program.
“We know that education changes lives,” he said.
“If you’re coming from a vulnerable background – whether that be low socio-economic, generational unemployment etcetera – education is the key to breaking that cycle.”
Education Minister James Merlino spoke about the program during a visit to Dandenong High School on Thursday 12 May.
Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said re-engaging young people with education and training was the best thing for them and for the community.
“Not only will this help local students, the Navigator pilot will help us identify the best way to keep students engaged at school – a lesson that can be shared across the entire state,” she said.
The Navigator announcement followed two allocations to the south-east from the State Government’s $14 million Reconnect: Engagement and Learning Support Program.
It’s designed to support selected registered training organisations to help 15 to 24-year-olds move into further education, training or employment.
Figures show that 7.4 per cent of the Greater Dandenong’s early school leavers are not in employment or training – above the 5.5 per cent state average.
Chisholm Institute received $900,000 in the 2016-’17 state budget to reach out to youths in Dandenong, Pakenham, Narre Warren and Frankston who have disconnected from formal education.
“Often young people lack the confidence and skills to get into formal training, and this extra funding will make sure there is support in place so vulnerable young people can improve their lives,” Training and Skills Minister Steve Herbert said.
Chisholm will employ outreach staff to work with other community groups, support services and local government.
Students will have individual learning plans and achievement goals set, and staff will use resources and a network of supports.
“This is a big win for Dandenong. I’m sure Chisholm Institute will build on the good work they’re already doing supporting early school leavers,” Ms Williams said.
“This money will help break down the barriers stopping early school leavers in our local community from accessing training.”
Dandenong’s Jesuit Community College received $997,000 in Reconnect cash to help students complete skill and job assessments and create plans for training and work.
The college will also deliver the program in St Albans, Hoppers Crossing, Richmond, South Melbourne and Collingwood.
