Leading Senior Constable Chris Atherton, student teacher Samantha Kean and, back right, Operation Newstart Casey leader James Seeary join program graduates, from third back left, Jordan Harman, Luke Hurd, Drue Davis and Tim By Callan Date
EIGHT weeks of hard work, leadership and encouragement has helped a group of at-risk Casey teenagers graduate from the Operation New Start program.
The students from various schools across Casey attended a ceremony at the Narre Warren Civic Centre and receive certificates for completing the personal development program last Friday.
Program highlights for the group included a four-day camping, hiking, mountain bike riding and rock climbing adventure through the Grampians.
A TAFE Taster Course at Chisholm Institute of TAFE that enabled the students to take part in a panel beating and horticulture class was also a hit.
Operation Newstart Casey leader James Seeary said it was pleasing to see the boys come so far in the eight weeks.
“It’s great to see them develop in such a short time,” he said.
“Some of the lads come in with some very low self esteem and low confidence and to see them stand up in front of their parents, teachers and principals and give a speech when they graduated was very pleasing.”
Students are now followed up with school visits and phone calls for a period of two years.
Narre Warren Leading Senior Constable Chris Atherton said it had been a great success.
“It has been a huge journey not just for the students, but for me and the other helpers,” she said.
“We’re very proud of where the students have got themselves to since the beginning of the program and will now be focusing strongly on students using what they have learned in the school place.”
Mr Seeary said they were now looking at candidates for the next intake of the program.
