Redefining futures for young people
By Sam Reuben
I recently had the opportunity to talk to a group of young people who are not in mainstream schooling, and who are being given other ways to achieve an education.
The youths involved are all taking part in the Transition to Success program (T2S) run by the Townsville Youth Justice Service Centre.
The program was rolled out to Townsville in July 2016 and is designed for under 16s who have either fallen into the youth justice system or are considered at risk of doing so.
The creation of the program is a recognition that some teenagers are vulnerable to becoming completely disengaged from schooling — a decision which can have long-lasting and serious consequences.
Lack of schooling can exacerbate disadvantage, and in some cases continue a cycle of crime, which is why this program is making sure the door on a young person’s education isn’t closed.
Instead, it opens up new possibilities, enabling them to get vocational training in areas such as automotive mechanical technology, engineering, foundation skills, hospitality and horticulture.
Attaining certificates and real-world skills can smooth the passage into adulthood and a more productive life.
However, my message to young participants was that employment, and its many benefits, will be much harder to achieve without positive thinking and goal setting.
Unfortunately, positivity is largely absent in the lives and families of some young people, and real fears stand in their way of their success.
These fears can include not being accepted, their living situation, shame, and the feeling that sometimes things appear all too hard.
This is why a program such as Transition to Success is important — it improves the confidence of young people through preparation and training, and shows them the ropes in setting and working towards achievable and measurable goals.
It also works to connect graduates with local employers who can continue the positive transition.
It’s a great example of the effort being made to help children choose a future that is not defined by their past.
For more information about the program, visit Transition to Success.
