- Published:
- Thursday 1 February 2018
The Andrews Labor Government is giving young mums in Ballarat hospitality skills and supporting them to continue their school education alongside their children.
Through the Advance 2018 program, the Labor Government is providing nearly $10,000 to Yuille Park Community College’s Young Parents Program (YPP) to continue support for young mothers who are studying.
Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos today visited the YPP Café in Ballarat and congratulated the college for its innovative program and for joining more than 430 schools and campuses in the $4.5 million Advance 2018 program.
The college gives more than 20 young mums the opportunity to run the YPP Café and gain skills in hospitality – including food preparation, cooking, meal presentation, table service and barista work.
These skills are readily transferable and provide a pathway into employment in the hospitality industry.
Victorian Government secondary school campuses – including special schools and schools in regional areas – are eligible to receive nearly $10,000 in annual funding through the Advance program.
These schools can use the funding to provide students with opportunities to develop their skills and make a positive impact in their local community.
Through the Advance program, students identify local issues of interest and work in partnership with community organisations on projects that will benefit the wider community – such as aged care home visits, community art projects and cleaning up rivers or creeks.
They are also given the opportunity to complete recognised training as part of the program, while building their communication and project management skills.
Last year, more than 21,000 young people across the state participated in the Advance 2017 program, helping them develop important life skills and gain valuable experience to assist in future job or education pursuits.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos
“This café is a great example of how we can support young mums and help them build their skills while also providing a great service to the local community.”
“We’re helping thousands of young people across the state to develop new skills and make positive impacts in their local community through the Advance program.”
“It’s all about supporting young people and encouraging them to volunteer, develop skills and work with others.”