A new youth program, aimed at increasing attendance and engagement at school, has begun in Orange.
Delivered by Orange City Council’s youth staff, the Pathfinders Program is working to help young people find their direction in life.
Orange City Council Services Policy Committee Chair, Cr Mel McDonell said the new program includes a strong focus on practical job training activities such as resume writing, job search or specific training.
“Local young people aged 12 to 24 who are enrolled in any level of education, from middle school to university, will have access to educational programs, recreational activities, and work experience opportunities,” Cr McDonell said.
“I fully support the Pathfinders Program and its mission to empower young people in our community. I hope this program can play a critical role in guiding youth towards a positive and fulfilling future.”
Work experience is also an option and will be provided by the Pathfinders program through work experience opportunities at Orange City Council.
“By doing this, we can give them a taste of what employment could be like and hopefully that will motivate them to keep looking and find a path that they can explore,” Cr McDonell said.
“This is about helping young people find a pathway they are passionate about. Young people are our future and the more we can do to create the pathways the better off we will be as a society.”
All young people that sign up and stay consistent with at least 1 activity a week and attending school more often will be rewarded.
The program has already started at both Orange High and Canobolas Rural Technology high schools. Young people can access the program through referrals through their teachers or from their parents.
The Pathfinders program will also host Art Zone after school activities at the Bowen Cottage.
This is open to all school students each Monday during term 2, starting on May 1.
