Support the Clontarf Foundation

Summary

The Clontarf Foundation is a charitable not-for-profit organisation registered as an unlisted public company limited by guarantee. Its purpose is to improve the education, discipline, self-esteem, life skills and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and by doing so, equips them to participate more meaningfully in society. Since opening its first academy in Perth, WA in 2000 the Foundation has grown to support 9492 boys across WA, NT, NSW, QLD, SA and VIC.

$11,000
total goal

$10,372
remaining

13
donors

0
monthly donors

2
years

Challenge

The limited engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with education remains a concerning problem which has reached crisis point. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education participation levels are low and retention rates and absenteeism among these students are at critical levels, limiting employment options and largely reinforcing economic disadvantage. Many students who finish school prior to Year 12 have limited options for the future.

Solution

The proposed project will support six academy students across Australia for a whole year. Funding will allow full-time staff to provide the necessary mentoring and support to six Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, including post-school mentoring via the dedicated Clontarf Employment Officers based across Australia. The payments will also cover the costs associated with the daily activities involved in running a rich, holistic program including food, transport, clothing and camps.

Long-Term Impact

There are significant positive effects for the whole community when these young men complete school, participate in the work force, and improve their lifestyles, health and economic status. When the boys in our programme remain engaged in school and voluntarily participate in their studies until completing Year 12, and then successfully transition into employment or further training, they break the cycle of disadvantage and become good fathers and partners who value education and employment.