pathways, OCTOBER 2007
An innovative programme that has the potential to create systemic change and break the generational cycle of disadvantage in Aboriginal communities has won the Norma Parker Award for the Most Innovative Programme, at the Catholic Social Services Australia 2007 Awards.
The Strong Young Mums programme helps young women achieve the equivalent of Year 10 accreditation through TAFE.
The young participants are appreciating education and learning and are becoming stronger and clearer about the quality of life they want for themselves and their families. They are taking action to end violence in their relationships and their children are developing social skills and are being exposed to early learning opportunities.
The
Strong Young Mums programme was established in Bourke in 2005 by Centacare Wilcannia-Forbes under the guidance of Centacare Director and
Loreto Sister Margaret Flynn.
"It is wonderful that such a worthy programme has received this honour. It is a model that could enhance the lives of so many more indigenous and non-indigenous young mothers in remote communities," Sr Margaret said.
The programme was established in response to the large number of teenage mothers who dropped out of school when they learnt they were pregnant. TAFE soon became a supportive partner and funding was eventually secured from the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
A snag was hit when the mothers insisted that their children attend classes with them. While setting up childcare at the TAFE was considered, there were too many hurdles to overcome to make the premises child-safe.
Sr Margaret heard that the local childcare centre had experienced a drop in numbers, due to the drought, but no Aboriginal families used the centre. When the young mothers were invited to a couple of morning teas, they saw the environment and the enjoyment their children were having and agreed to enrol their children the days they
attended TAFE.
After 18 months, Centacare has:
- 19 young mothers consistently attending TAFE two days per week - on their way to gaining accreditation; thinking of further training and enjoying the support network of other mothers;
- Aboriginal children attending the childcare centre for the first time - with increased developmental opportunities, social skills development, and other important stimulus;
- a group of about 40 young mothers who attend playgroup - where they have input on health, parenting, nutrition and issues such as domestic violence and financial management;
- young mothers with increased self-esteem and confidence and who are clearer on the life they want for themselves and their children;
- strong partnerships among the local agencies.
Through the Strong Young Mums programme, young mothers:
-
are appreciating education and learning;
-
have become stronger and clearer about the quality of life they want for themselves and their children;
-
have improved parenting skills and knowledge of children's developmental needs;
-
are better informed of services and more confident in approaching them;
-
are taking action to end violence in their relationships;
-
are developing a sense of future and its opportunities.
Their children are
- developing social skills;
- exposed to early learning opportunities;
- receiving improved parenting;
- learning the routine of regular attendance, which has the potential to see them attending Pre-school, and Primary school on a regular basis;
According to Sr Margaret, the Strong Young Mums programme has the potential to create systemic change and to break the generational cycle of poor health, poor educational
achievement and family violence in Indigenous communities.
"Our hope is to extend this programme to a number of other communities within western NSW," she said.
Although the Bourke programme is funded only until June 2008, the Department has funded a similar programme at Lake Cargelligo and has forwarded the Bourke programme to the Minister as one of its "exemplary" programmes. Programme workers also have been asked to present at conferences including the Secretariat of national Aboriginal and Islanders Child Care (SNAICC) in Adelaide.
The Norma Parker Award, open to member organisations only, was
one of three presented by Catholic Services Australia.
The Perkins Award for Excellence in Service (open to the broader community) went to Marina Gray, Conference President, St Vincent de Paul Society, Bourke, for a purpose-built trailer to transport clothing and other goods, including Christmas hampers, to people in need in remote areas. In taking the St Vincent de Paul service to where no services exist, the trailer travels from Bourke to Brewarrina, Engonnia, Weilmoringle and occasionally to Ivanhoe.
The Award for Excellence in Service (member organisations) went to the Northern Respite Service, Auricht House, operated by Centacare Catholic Family Services, Disability Services, Archdiocese of Adelaide. The service provides respite to individuals and their families who live in the north and north-eastern suburbs of Adelaide. It is available to people whose son or daughter is aged between 13 and 30 and has an intellectual disability.
The awards, now in their seventh year, pay tribute to outstanding people, programmes and organisations who work tirelessly, and often quietly, for a better life for vulnerable, marginalised and disadvantaged people.
They were announced on Tuesday, September 11, during the Catholic Social Services Australia National Conference in Coffs Harbour.
Bishop Pat Power, Auxiliary Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn, in presenting
the McCosker Oration, warned that compliance burdens imposed by the Government, and even the Church, could put at risk the many people "who fall between the cracks".
Bishop Power also cited the "earthiness" of Pope John XXIII and challenged those in leadership positions to "remain close to people at the 'grass-roots', ready to listen to their stories of pain, abuse and neglect".
Bishop Power referred to retired Sydney Auxiliary Bishop Geoffrey Robinson as "one leader who has listened and remained in touch with his people".
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