News
19 December, 2024
Unlocking potential
Caboolture's Youth Justice Education Training (YJET) program has marked 20 years of support for young people across the Moreton Bay region to reconnect with learning as the 2024 cohort celebrated their graduation.
The flexible education program, part of Lutheran Services’ not-for-profit Intercept Youth and Family Program, helps young people who have become disengaged with mainstream education to complete Years 9 and 10.
The program’s two decades of success were celebrated on December 2 at a graduation ceremony for the 2024 participants and the announcement of this year’s bursary winners.
Program Officer at Intercept, Teena Ryder, said the YJET program had supported more than 600 graduates over its 20 years to achieve life-changing outcomes.
“We have many remarkable stories of the unwavering spirit of young people – each with their own unique journey, dreams and challenges,” Ms Ryder said.
“YJET’s transformative program has not only changed and empowered the lives of the young people we serve, but has led to a ripple effect of positive change through the Moreton Bay community.
“Every participant has a personal story of resilience, growth and courage to overcome adversity. We share their laughter, tears and triumph.”
This year’s two YJET bursary awardees, Oliver McInnes and Mia Rehberg-Edgar, each received $500 towards their further education, training or employment expenses.
The awards were presented by Geoff Wells, former Youth Justice Service Manager who co-founded YJET in 2004.
Mia said YJET had given her a second chance at education.
“The YJET team encouraged and helped me, and they never give up on a student,” she said.
“I learned lots of new things but the most important thing I learned was the I can do it and it’s ok to be myself.”
Oliver plans to finish his senior studies at a community college in 2025.
“YJET helped me to finish Year 10. I received lots of support, more than I would have in a mainstream school,” he said.
“The staff here are also pretty cool. They inspired us to learn and to reach our potential.”
Caboolture Area Youth Service (CAYS) created YJET in 2003 and in 2012 Lutheran Services and Intercept began a partnership with Caboolture Youth Justice Service (CABYJS) to take the program forward.
The multi award-winning program is based on self-paced learning with small classes to ensure every student receives the support they need. The curriculum is accredited through Charters Towers School of Distance Education.
YJET’s partner schools are Caboolture, Tullawong and Morayfield state high schools, and its placement student partners University of Sunshine Coast, Queensland University of Technology and TAFE Queensland.
Intercept, a not-for-profit community service based in Caboolture, runs nine targeted support programs for young people. For more information call 1800 960 433 or go to lutheranservices.org.au.
