Gallery
Youth Lifeskills program 2023
Rotary Nowra Youth life skills program
During March 2023 we launched our Youth life skill program. We had identified a local high school where many students came from single parent households and were not being taught basic handyman skills.
We coordinated with our local Bunnings warehouse (Nowra) and they agreed to come onboard and give the students a four-week, one hour, practical life skills course.
We also tied up with the local PCYC branch (Shoalhaven) _ our very own Rob Usher who is the Manager there, who are located next to the school who then agreed to drive the bus taking students to Bunnings and back to their homes afterwards. Thank you Rob.
On 2 March our program started with eight handpicked, year 9 pupils from Shoalhaven High school being taken to Bunnings Nowra where they were given a set of personal protective equipment (mask, goggles, gloves etc.) and then a master class in how to fix holes in gyprock walls.
The lesson was hands on and all students were able to have a go themselves.
Week two saw the boys learn all about painting – how to prep a surface and how to paint.
Week three was all about cleaning – what equipment to use and how to clean different surfaces
Week four had the boys learning all about garden equipment such as whipper snippers, lawn mowers etc. How to use them, maintain them.
All the students who attended at least three of the four sessions received a certificate of achievement and a $50 Bunnings voucher (co-sponsored by Rotary Nowra). We were very happy that these young boys kept engaged during the sessions and 7 of the 8 students attended all four weeks of the program.
Through this initiative, Rotary Nowra has been able to help empower these students by teaching them skills which will stand them in good stead for possibly a trade career or just good skills to help around the home. We have proposed a program each term with more subjects to encourage the girls. We also got some media coverage in the local newspaper. And some great feedback: “We at Shoalhaven High School greatly appreciate the support you have all given
I know the boys have really enjoyed it and I would love to organise a girl’s group for next term.
Thank you again for all your hard work and support.”
Lisa Horgan - Student Support Officer/Social Worker - Shoalhaven High School
“What a great 4-week DIY.
I look forward to the girls coming through next term. I have also had some interest from the Clontarf Director. Mike is going to be very busy next term. “ Kind Regards,
Penny Williams - Activities Organiser Bunnings
“ I think it is brilliant. Why? Because it is simple, minimal work by Rotarians (enough to get them involved), involves other sectors in the community (Bunnings, PCYC and the school), great PR, has an impact on the target group and can be repeated by other Clubs. I will send this on to Rotary Down Under. I have already mentioned it at PETS training and to a few clubs. A terrific idea and deserves a pat on the back. Very well done. By far my favourite project in the district.”
Robert Shore – District 9705
Linda Fuller - Youth Director
