Early intervention program Project Booyah has officially welcomed its first cohort of participants in Toowoomba, following success in other locations across Queensland.
The first cohort of participants officially started the 16-week program this month, with participants due to take part in multiple adventure-based learning, employment and leadership activities that are designed to help them make better life choices.
Each of the at-risk young people will participate in activities that build self-esteem and resilience like abseiling, high ropes and obstacle courses, while receiving guidance and police mentorship along the way.
Participants are also offered a variety of other support and learning opportunities that work on building their leadership and social skills, functional literacy and numeracy, as well as vocational support and scholarships.
Participants graduate with a number of new skillsets and opportunities that can help them gain employment or further their studies, with pathways to study, training and employment.
Project Booyah Toowoomba has partnered with a number of vocational training providers across Queensland, to help support participants develop practical skills and knowledge so they can contribute to the workforce.
During 2023, 199 participants took part in Project Booyah across the state, with 84 per cent successfully graduating the course.
Across both semesters last year, 73 per cent of participants re-entered the education system, 42 per cent engaged in further education or training, and 35 per cent obtained employment through taking part in the program.
Project Booyah already operates in partnership with PCYC at 10 other locations around the state, including Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, South Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan and the Gold Coast.
Project Booyah is early intervention program funded under the Queensland Government’s newly formed Youth Development Partnership Fund, which is a joint initiative between the Department of Tourism and Sport and the Queensland Police Service.
Uplifting ‘at-risk’ youth through the power of sport and active recreation learning activities, the Fund supports the expansion and creation of youth programs delivering an avenue for personal growth and development.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Massignham said Project Booyah is worth its weight in gold as an early intervention program and hopes to see it expanded further across the state.
“Early intervention is at the heart of the Booyah program as it allows the young people who participate to improve their relations with police, other authorities and their connection to community.
“We appreciate the challenges these kids face at home, in their communities or peer groups. Our desire is to see them succeed through re-engagement into further education or employment and we work with them until that’s their reality.
“I am already so proud of every single participant from the Booyah program and look forward to seeing them graduate and watch what they achieve next.”
