Khmer Links to Learning Program  for Youth at risk

The Khmer Community of NSW Inc. operate a Links to Learning project, Funded by the NSW DET to assist young people in Junior High school to continue their school education . Links classes and activities are held on Sunday from 9:30am to 2:00pm  at Cabramatta West Public School. There are five tutors and one Co-ordinator, who act as mentors and role models for 45 participants, assist with literacy, numeracy, sports and board games. With basic skills,  problem solving, personal issues, self esteem, community support and a variety of other concerns as they arise.

The program approach is holistic and flexible. As well as academic support, a range of other activities are offered to provide personal challenge, a sense of belonging, build confidence and a sense of personal worth and purpose. It is also a creative and practical learning program for young people thinking of leaving school early.

All students in the program face multiple barriers to continuing their education including those with parental support. Very few parents are able to provide practical help with school work due to in many cases to their own limited English and disrupted education.

Few students have their own room or study space, make homework and study difficult, and greatly reducing their chances of good assessment and exam marks.

In addition to the tutors, the program also has a coordinator and a school liaison person to work with the partner schools who refer students to the program. Our partner school are Bonnyrigg, Cabramatta, Fairfield and St John Park High School. Other staff at the Khmer Community office, and Management Committee, also provide valuable additional support to the Links project workers.

 What is Links to Learning?

Links to Learning is a creative and practical program for:

• young people thinking of leaving school early or
• young people who left school early and are not in education or training

Links to Learning projects help young people to remain in or return to school, or access post-school education or training couses by:

• improving skills in reading, writing and maths
• developing communication and technology skills
• increase confidence, self- esteem and resilience
• setting educational, training and career goals.

 Who is it for ?

Students - in Year 7-11 at identified NSW government secondary schools, who are thinking of leave school early.

What would I do in a project?

A links to Learning activity may cover some of the following topics:

• reading, writing and basic maths
• arts and crafts
• computer, multimedia and video skills
• music and theatre
• photography
• sport and recreation
• study skills
• negotiation and conflict resolution
• cultural awareness
• enironmental activities
• life skills
• driver education.

By participating in these activities you can gain a broad range of valuable skills such as:

• technology
• planning and organising activities (setting goals, managing resources, adapting to change)
• working with others and in teams (interpersonal skills, negotiation and conflict resolution)
• solving problems (decision making and creative thinking)
• collecting, analysing and organising information
• using mathematical ideals and techniques.

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