Chain Reaction Foundation Ltd

Adolescent Programs

Mt Druitt Learning Ground is accepting enrolments now for Term 4 2022
Call Rumbi 0438 187 611.  Places filling fast.

HOW ARE PARTICIPANTS CHOSEN TO ATTEND LEARNING GROUND
Recommendations to families to become part of Learning Ground come from schools in the area, agencies working in connection with local families and by word of mouth.

Participants are required to have parental permission and school approval to attend Learning Ground.  The program is fully approved by Department of Education.  Teenagers attend one day per week and are expected to attend school the other four days.

Enrolment application is followed by interview for new enrolments.  Interview takes place between Learning Ground Team Leader and teenager accompanied by family member over 18, or a representative from school being attended.

     

OLDER ADOLESCENT PROGRAM for participants 13 - 17 years

TERM ONE: 14 February - 4 April every Monday 9.30am - 2.30pm. Morning Tea and Lunch provided.

TERM TWO: 2 May - 27 June

TERM THREE:  18 July - 19 September

TERM FOUR: 10 October - 19 December

“I’m coming back to Learning Ground this year because I’m not interested in jigging school any more and really want to be sure I can concentrate on my school work, I want to go to TAFE next year” - Year 9 student.

"At Learning Ground I matter to someone, and they matter to me, I really think I could make a life now" - Year 10 student.

Print out Enrolment Form Adolescent Program and email to rumbi@chainreaction.org.au


YOUNGER PEOPLE'S PROGRAM for participants 10 - 12 years

TERM ONE:  16 February - 6 April every Wednesday 10:00am - 2:20pm. Morning Tea and Lunch provided.

TERM TWO: 4 May - 29 June 

TERM THREE: 20 July - 21 September

TERM FOUR: 12 October - 21 December

“I’m going to Learning Ground this year because I am quite scared of going to High School next Year, my brother went there and he says it taught him to feel much better about himself” - Year 6 girl.

"I'm even getting to be nice to the cops now, the stuff we have at Learning Ground works" - Year 7 boy.

"My Mum listens to me better now, she says it's because I listen to her" - Year 5 girl.

Print out Enrolment Form Young People's Program and email to rumbi@chainreaction.org.au

                                               

WHAT HAPPENS THIS TERM IN THE ADOLESCENT PROGRAMS 

Program is particularly suitable for teenagers who would benefit from a program encouraging development of self-esteem and stronger sense of belonging.  It is found to be very helpful for those who may have experienced change in their lives, moving house, grief and loss, struggling to keep up academically, being bullied, or being a bully.  Also for those experiencing change in the family structure, needing to have stronger cultural or personal family ties and for those unsure of how to make the most of each day. 

Together we examine how we develop in Five Ways – Physically, Intellectually, Emotionally, Socially, and through our belief systems. It is fun learning this way together but also very helpful in learning to like ourselves and to get on with others better. We would expect over the term to develop a deeper appreciation for family, for teachers and school life, and to become much more confident in dealing with others, especially those it has been hard to get along with.

In examining our belief systems we will pay particular attention to learning about beliefs unique to Australia, dreamtime stories and their meanings, understanding Aboriginal totems and their significance, connections to land, and bush tucker tales are all a valued part of the learning. We will listen to, think about and try to remember some key words in the traditional Aboriginal language of the region in which Learning Ground is situated, the Darug language. The work we will do is important to participants of Aboriginal background but is equally important to non-indigenous and all other participants too who thrive when they find themselves part of Australia’s unique story of belonging.

“I didn’t ever talk to Aboriginal people, I didn’t even like them, and now I am so proud to have learned so much about Aboriginal culture, these ideas and learnings should take place in every school in Australia so all Australians can know the truth” - Mother of young girl.