By Kristine Bugeja
The Youth Junction invited young people, Government representatives, corporate and philanthropic partners, schools and community organisations to the Visy Cares Hub to celebrate the work we are doing within our revamped spaces on education, employment and training with disadvantaged young people.
The event showcased new interactive technology and collaborative learning spaces including our Homebase hospitality space that will enhance young people’s engagement in education, employment and training pathways. Indigenous artist, Robert Young spoke of his incredible Aboriginal ‘Youthscape’ artwork and future art programs he will be facilitating at The Youth Junction.
Natalie Suleyman MP spoke on behalf of Minister Gayle Tierney and congratulated The Youth Junction on the integral work and support we provide young people within the North West region of Melbourne. The announcement of the North-West Youth Learning Pathways (NW-Y.L.P) program funded by the Department of Education over two years was announced and recognised as an appropriate and integral program, providing education, training and employment opportunities to young people accessing services. The NW-Y.L.P program is scheduled to assist 270 young people by 2020 with The Youth Junction Inc. having currently helped 132 young people find pathways and 100 young people to be formally assessed.
NW-Y.L.P is a consortium of organisations including The Youth Junction Inc. as lead, Youth Now, Centre for Multi-cultural Youth and Melton City Council.
It was mentioned that the Minister is committed to these programs and providing appropriate investment which offer opportunities to young people and provide positive outcomes for young people of North-West region of Melbourne in the work place and education.
We thoroughly enjoyed celebrating the young people’s achievements through the Youth Learning Pathways project, acknowledgement of our strong partnership with Victoria University and showcasing our revamped training and education spaces for disadvantaged young people.
Thank you to Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir a profound Welcome to Country by Shane Charles and the inspirational artist Robert Michael Young. It was a wonderful morning filled with entertainment, inspirational speakers (including our fierce leader Dr. Karen Hart) brunch and tour of our amazing educational spaces!
