HopeStreet's Youth Space helps students transition to high school
“I was really grateful for the free school supplies because it meant that my mum didn’t have to spend all our money on them." HopeStreet's Youth Space helps students transition to high school.
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05 March 2024
Stories
| HopeStreet, BaptistCare
Did you know that one in six Australian children and young people are living in poverty?
Research shows that those children living in disadvantage have access to fewer books and learning materials at home.
These barriers were some of the reasons why James, 13, was hesitant to start high school.
But with HopeStreet Inner City Youth Space’s Transition to High School program, James was able to develop the skills and confidence he needed to advance his education.
“I was really grateful for the free school supplies because it meant that my mum didn’t have to spend all our money on them,” he said.
Community Development Leader, Tex Le Beck, said the four week program, aimed at students in years five and six, does much more than just provide school supplies.
“It offers emotional, practical and financial support to students and their families so they can fully participate in their education and future,” she said, adding, “We play lots of games and activities that include talks about the expectations of high school, and provide maps, directions, learning timetables, and schedules.”
Students also get to visit the local high school they will be attending.
“We have found the program provides students with a calming lead in to high school, where they can get familiar with the structure and culture,” Tex said, adding, “The program also helps builds students’ resilience and confidence.”
James echoed this sentiment saying he felt more prepared. “It helped me prepare for the extra work load (in high school) and feel a little bit more confident.”
The program also supports parents and carers.
“We equip them with expectations on their child’s specific high school, as well as providing essential information about counsellors and other available supports, timings, uniform, stationery requirements, and transport,” Tex said.
“It also aims to reduce the stress, shame, or embarrassment that students and families may feel if they cannot afford what is needed. All these things work together to help the student start a better education.”
Sally, James’ Mum, said when she needed support the most, HopeStreet stepped in.
“Just to have that support of buying the books and stationery, and contacting the school to organise a uniform was a major help,” Sally said.
“The supplies given to James just before Christmas set him up so he was ready to go. By the time it came to him starting high school, he already had it all. It made it so much easier.”