After hours program supporting at-risk First Nation Youth

A new after-hours program has been launched in Brisbane to support at-risk First Nation youth, including those already involved in the youth justice system or those at risk of entering it, engaging children as young as eight.

Made by Mob, a joint initiative by Mas National*, Australian Trade Training College*, and Yiliyapinya Indigenous Corporation, aims to address service gaps for vulnerable First Nation children between the ages of eight and 17 by providing safe and engaging activities, such as building furniture and playing football, on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Aunty Sheryl Batchelor, founder and director of Yiliyapinya Indigenous Corporation, said the four-week program not only keeps youth off the streets but also incorporates cultural elements into the activities, “The program focuses on skill-building, cultural connections, healing, and the importance of community. Each session features a yarning circle with the participant and their parental guardian to discuss experiences and progress, highlighting the importance of supportive relationships and enhancing emotional and social development,” she said.

Throughout the program, participants will construct a picnic table, which they will later decorate during cultural days at the program’s site. The completed tables will be given to the participants’ families or donated to the community, fostering a sense of accomplishment and contribution.

Aunty Sheryl noted the urgent need for such programs that offer engagement, connection and activity, “Most of the participants haven’t been to school for 18 months, primarily children aged 10 or 11. Without the right support, they begin to disengage and drop out of school. Our program introduces them to new possibilities and provides guidance that is crucial during these formative years.”

The program also addresses the lack of after-hour programs for at-risk youth, which is a gap in current offerings, “We provide engaging activities that require commitment, including returning the next day, keeping them so active that they’re too tired to get into trouble. The reason why this program is so important is that it allows these young people to experience activities they would not be able to do under normal education and training rules. We also incorporate sports, with full-time NRL coach to keep things dynamic and switch activities if needed,” she said.

So far, 30 participants have signed up for the program.

Mas National Queensland State Lead Juliet Stewart highlighted the program’s accessibility, “We’ll have carpentry instructors from Australian Trade Training College on-site, and transportation is provided to eliminate the need for long-distance travel. Meals are also available before each session to ensure participants are well-prepared and comfortable.”

Additionally, for older participants interested in apprenticeships or employment, further support will be available through sister companies of IntoWork, enhancing career opportunities and skill development.

The program will also feature sports activities with local NRL Schools Mentor and Coach Konrad Tu’ua teaching participants about sport, adding an exciting element to keep the program engaging.

Made by Mob is funded by the Queensland Government.

*Mas National and Australian Trade Training College are both part of the IntoWork Group.

LISTEN TO THE ABC BRISBANE DRIVE INTERVIEW HERE