Newsletter for the Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton - Issue No.: 782 Issue Date: 29 Apr, 2024

Terry Stewart introduced our Guest Speaker, Heather Brett from the Flexible Learning Centre.

Heather is a teacher of many years’ experience, who has also been involved with the community in many roles, including vice president of the GNFL!

The Flexible Learning Centre was established in Geraldton shortly after the closure of the Tardin Agricultural College. It was established on the St Patrick’s College site in an attempt to meet the education needs for young people who do not fit into mainstream education.

These young people come from grinding poverty and dysfunctional families. For these kids poverty, dysfunction, domestic violence is normal for them! They are disenfranchised and disengaged from education, often poorly fed and clothed and have mental health issues. Some are abused, and suffer depression and anxiety. These are the kids who may break into a house looking for food. They are living all they know.

The FLC is a place where these kids can come: there are no fees or uniforms. They are picked up, taken to the learning centre, given breakfast, engaged in classes and provided lunch. The aim is for the kids to WANT to come to school in the hope that changes to their behaviour can be made, At present in mainstream school disruptive kids are suspended, which is what they seek as they do not want to be there. It is hard to learn when your sleep is poor and you are hungry.

 It is difficult for us to comprehend that there are such pockets of poverty in our community. The aim is to provide these kids, some as young as 11 and 12, with a community “wrap around” of protection. They are often provided with food parcels and clothes, thanks to organisations such as foodbank.

The closing of some outback communities has forced many of these people into towns, for which they are ill-equipped to cope. Overcrowding and further dysfunction and social problems result.

There are four principles that are emphasised in the learning program.

1. Respect

2. Honesty

3. Participation

4. Safety and legal

Kids are taught to respect each other and those around, to be honest and let their teachers know what is going on. Participation is essential to impart life skills and basic education in numeracy and literacy. Many have virtually no education at all! Legal issues are assisted and explained. Many kids do not understand some of their behaviours are breaking the law.

Other areas kids are assisted include health, with access to a nurse practitioner. Driver education, learners permits and help with log books. Volunteers are needed for this! Visitors are welcome! The kids need to meet functional adults! They come from families where no one has ever worked!

Another are of work involves schooling of young girls with babies. With a mother and baby program, these girls have access to education and help with nappies, clothes, food and mother crafting. A maxi van with appropriate baby seating is used to pick them up!

Present numbers in class vary from 40 to 120, and there are plans to further expand, but further community support is needed. 88% are indigenous.

Heather was thanked by Tony Emmott, who like the rest of us was somewhat flabbergasted to learn of these serious issues in OUR community that are swept under the carpet and out of sight and mind. Looks like a future project for our club!