Alternative learning centre opened

A new centre has been established in Umina to encourage young people to continue in education.

The Minister for Youth, Carmel Tebbutt said: "The Centre will receive NSW Government funding of $360,000 over two years."

The centre would help keep young people at risk of leaving school, or who are not attending school, connected to education, encouraging them Instead to stay at school, gain an education, and improve their future prospects, she said.

Ms Tebbutt said the Alternative Learning Centre would employ one teacher-coordinator, one full-time youth worker, and a part time clerical support worker.

It is based at the Police and Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) at Umina, with links to the Umina and Woy Woy campuses at Brisbane Waters Secondary College and is the result of partnerships between government and non-government organisations in the region, including the involvement of young people, she said.

Ms Tebbutt said the centre should result In more young people staying on at school, improved school certificate and test results, reduced school absentee rates and fewer suspensions.

"It should also lead to a reduction in anti-social and risk-taking behaviour, such as drug abuse or crime.

"Young people have identified the need for more relevant curriculum courses, career guidance and support programs to prepare them for the workforce - the centre will offer students programs that are tailored to the way they learn best, and which can lead to formal qualifications.

"It will also provide mentoring and intensive case management for students, programs to help them relate better to their families and communities, and programs to help young people make the transition to employment when they finish education.

Brisbane Waters Secondary College principal Mr Pat Lewis is the chairman of the committee responsible for the centre.

The centre offers 10 half-day sessions and students fit in to one or more of those sessions each week.

The centre started in term 2 and has already offered some work experience activities, a small engine maintenance course and a boat licence course, as well as other regular classes.

The teacher-coordinator is Mr Nic Urie who has extensive experience in dealing with children at risk as well as a masters' degree in special education behaviour.

Mr Urie said: "The centre is a demonstration project under the Better Futures program.

"We have two years' funding to show how effective the program is and, if we succeed, we expect to receive another four year's funding and the concept will be introduced to other parts of New South Wales."

There are 24 to 30 different children involved with the program at present.

Nic is assisted by full time youth worker, Stephanie Hammonds, and PCYC office administration trainee, Leanne Brown.

Cec Bucello, press release, August 7