Youth Hub High School workshops
Badgebup Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) engages local youth in key initiatives
Opportunities through partnerships
BAC has commenced engagement with local youth in Katanning and service providers on two priority initiatives; the development of a youth pathways strategy and the establishment of a Youth Hub in Katanning. The strategy is expected to create work experience opportunities and employment pathways into BAC's Junior Ranger Program.
The initiative has been funded through the Community Crime Prevention Fund and endorsed by the WA Police Force, the Shire of Katanning and the local community, with strong support from the Katanning Senior High School and Katanning Primary School. The funding also provides 4 on-country camps for Youth and Elders to visit significant places in Noongar Country and hear the stories told by Elders around a campfire.
Organisations such as Follow the Dream, Clontarf and Wirrapunda Foundation have also thrown their support behind the initiative.
The student perspective
On the 13th May this year, approximately 90 students were engaged in 2 workshops at the Katanning Senior High School. The students expressed their ideas and thoughts around the establishment of a dedicated Youth Hub in Katanning.
Independent Consultant, Shawn Boyle, conducted the workshops with the youth and was highly impressed with their participation and ideas.
The students provided input into 'what type of activities would be there', 'what goals should it achieve', 'how will the community be involved', and 'what hours will it operate'.
"The youth raised some thoughtful ideas and were keen to take responsibility for the proposed Hub and work with community leaders and Aboriginal Elders in the community to set it up. They challenged each other on 'how to make the Hub inclusive for all youth' and discussed ground rules for behaviour and support services.
What's next?
The youth consultations will be followed by a Service Provider Workshop after the July school holidays. In parallel to the Youth strategy, BAC is also working with South Regional TAFE to develop training programs targeting Aboriginal students to participate in Horticulture and Hospitality courses and develop youth pathways into selected VET courses to support the Junior Ranger social enterprise.
BAC will support training fee costs for around 8 youths to undertake Hospitality training in the first semester in 2022, to develop skills that lead to jobs in the tourism and hospitality industries.
"Having the support of our key stakeholders is absolutely wonderful. It will provide new opportunities for our local youth and build stronger relationships between our Elders, community champions and our Youth."
Programs include on-country healing camps with Community Champions, Mentors and Elders to provide our youth with information relating to clan, country, culture and community and are extremely important for their growth.
"This is really exciting and is sure to will provide both social and economic benefits to both our youth and the wider community.
If you are interested in being involved with our Youth Hub or have any ideas you woud like to shre with us please use the form below to get in touch
- we'd love to hear from you.
