Wright of Passage Youth Program – Second intake happening now

Over the course of 18 months, Wright of Passage students will completely refurbish a 53ft Herreshoff ketch, and sail the yacht from Sydney to Hobart to take part in the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in February 2019.

Round 1 participants of this exciting program are proof that being offered the opportunity to learn in a different way, while also being mentored, brings about life changing opportunity and new found confidence.

Feedback from the students themselves has been very positive. They are gaining skills and proving to themselves that they 'can'. It is also heart-warming to hear comments from home about the confidence gained and the excitement about the future that has been obvious since beginning the course.

The program is targeted at youth aged between 16 and 25 years who have disconnected from school and are seeking an opportunity to learn in a hands-on way while being supported by mentors.

Round 2 intake is open now and we encourage any youth that fits the above criteria to contact us.

'Wright of Passage' is a unique opportunity to become involved in an inspirational, life changing project that can allow progress into various trade apprenticeships by learning about tools, and gaining joinery and woodworking skills.

The program has been designed to provide students with low employment prospects a wide range of skills, including shipwright, carpentry, electronics, engine mechanics and general boat maintenance.

All students on the program have had difficulty achieving outcomes in the mainstream education system, due to their disabilities. These cover a range of issues, including severe dyslexia, ADD, behavioural problems, cerebral palsy and diabetes. SWD is four months into the program. Of the initial nine students that began, seven have stayed the course.

Commenting on the program, Wright of Passage Program Manager Andrew Davidson (volunteer) said, “I think all the students have benefited from a hands-on learning environment where there is less emphasis on formal learning and more on the skills involved in transitioning to the paid workforce in the marine industry.

“We have seen both their practical job skills and their life skills, particularly personal organisation and interpersonal, improve significantly.”

Four students from the first group to complete the 18 week course have already successfully achieved their Certificate II in Boating Services. The second group of students are expected to commence in the program in June.

In November the boat will be ready for sea trials and shortly after, departure for Hobart and the 2019 Wooden Boat show, with the newly qualified students as crew.

The biggest hurdle SWD has to overcome to make this a reality is funding. That is where you can make all the difference, so please consider making a donation today.

More about the Wright of Passage program and how to enrol: http://sailorswithdisabilities.com/news/29566/?type_fr=4

 

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