PCYC Dares 2 Care

In an effort to reduce youth crime and set teenagers on a positive path, Rockingham PCYC started the region’s inaugural Dare 2 Care program earlier this month.

The 12-week Certificate I in Leadership course run by Martin Chircop and Sarah Grant is set to provide disengaged youth with necessary life skills.

Mr Chircop said the pilot program combined carpentry, machinery, occupational health and safety, environmental and selfawareness skills to prepare participants for the workplace.

Mr Chircop said the 15-student group ranged from prolific offenders to children who were not settled in mainstream education.

“It’s useful for disengaged youth because it helps them explore communication, leadership, social issues and teamwork, still with paperwork, but in an informal classroom environment,” he said.

Program participant 16-year-old Adam Jordan, of Kwinana, said he was enjoying the opportunity.

“At school I would usually muck around instead of doing the work,” he said.

“Here, I feel as though I have found somewhere to belong.”

Fellow participant Jerome Verney-Smith, 15, agreed the practical component of the course adhered to his need to keep active.

Teaching assistant Ms Grant said the program encouraged the students to use their initiative.

“They have to work as a team to design, budget and execute projects,” she said.

“There is also a weekly cooking session where they have to budget, prepare and cook a nutritious meal.”

She said through teamwork and learning new skills, the students were developing respect.