The Clontarf Foundation exists to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal men and by doing so equips them to participate meaningfully in society.
The Foundation believes that failure to experience achievement when young, coupled with a position of under-privilege can lead to alienation, anger and more serious consequences. As a prelude to tackling these and other issues, participants are first provided with an opportunity to succeed and in turn raise their self-esteem.
The vehicle for achieving this outcome in WA is Australian Rules. The Foundation uses the existing passion that Aboriginal boys have for football to attract them into school and keep them there. The programs are delivered through a network of football academies established in partnership with local schools including Karratha Senior High School. Any Aboriginal male enrolled at the school is eligible to participate in the Clontarf Academy.
Our Academies provide an important school-engagement mechanism for many at-risk students who would otherwise not attend or have low school attendance.
Full time, locally based Clontarf staff mentor and counsel students on a range of behavioural and lifestyle issues while the school caters for their educational needs.
Using a comprehensive approach of supportive relationships, a welcoming environment, and a diverse range of activities, the students develop improved self-esteem and confidence.
Academy activities are planned within the focus areas of education, leadership, employment, healthy lifestyles, life skills and football. In order to remain in the program, participants must continue to work at school and embrace the objectives of the Foundation.
Upon completing the program, graduates are helped to find employment. Specialist Employment Officers are engaged to do this and provide support until graduates become comfortable with their new jobs and surroundings.
The Foundation’s approach has been very successful, not only in attracting young men to school and retaining them but also in having them embrace more disciplined, purposeful and healthy lifestyles.
The Karratha Clontarf Academy program was established in 2010 and is operates out of our school. The Academy caters for students from Years 7 to 12.
For further information visit the Clontarf website.
Contact:
James Scanlan
T: (08) 9182 6900
E: james.scanlan@education.wa.edu.au