‘ ‘ Shekinah ’ Program - a ministry of burpengary

2. ‘‘Shekinah’ Program- a ministry of burpengary.com 2010 “Transforming Lives... Impacting Communities”

3. What... Where... • ‘Shekinah’ Program • was established out of a demonstrated need for legitimately systematically marginalised local girls to access an alternative educational site. • The Program - is running in partnership with State Education, but not currently funded by them. - is a ministry/activity of Burpengary Baptist Community Church, Pitt Rd., Burpengary

4. When... • Runs 8.30am – 1.30pm • Monday to Friday • Most Wednesdays are spent at ‘Teiki Park’ with the Horse Program • Aims to run similarly to school hours • Students attend via exemption from feeder school

5. The program is ... - an alternative educational program that is • Therapeutical, • Experiential, • Vocational, • Faith based. It is designed to re-engage girls at risk or disengaged from mainstream education. Program Aims to: • engage through ‘play’ in a non-threatening way, • remove the pressure of academic expectations, • but without compromising program values.

6. The Program Values... are:- • Honesty • Respect– property, people, language • Follow the Rules (Expectations) • Safety– Physical and Emotional • Participation

7. Aim & rationale... of ‘Shekinah’ is to provide our girls with:- • An alternative educational environment that encourages them to engage or re-engage our girls into life, learning and the local community. • a wide range and variety of educational experiences and learning opportunities, • a hands on, practical approach to learning, • and aimed at catering to the needs of their chosen interests and career choices.

8. Core Values, Vision & Mission ... Core value:- -is to, “...inspire action and create opportunities to transform the lives of our girls...” Vision and Mission:- - is to, “ensure our girls enjoy equality, - are educated in a safe and healthy environment, - have access to education, - and are taught leadership and practical skills.”

9. The program is offered to girls... • In Years 7 – 11, currently attending Primary, Middle or High School – State or Independent, • who may be at risk of suspension/exclusion, or have been excluded from other schools, • who may not have experienced success in mainstream education, • or who are seeking a more hands on, practical approach to education, • and may have or be having children of their own.

10. Student challenges... • ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder (or Aspergers Syndrome) • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) • Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) • Bipolar Disorder, Dyslexia, Short Term Memory Loss • Conduct and/or Oppositional Defiant Disorders, • Intellectual Impairment, • Learning Difficulties, • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, • Specific or • Generalised Anxiety Disorders.

11. Why... Have students disengaged • Learning difficulties or disabilities - include the previous syndromes and conditions • can make it problematic for a person to learn as quickly or in the same way as someone who isn't affected by a learning disability. • A learning disability is notindicative of intelligence level. • In fact – sometimes it is the opposite!! Eg. Autism and Perfectionism Rather, people with a learning disability have trouble performing specific types of skills or completing tasks if left to figure things out by themselves or if taught in conventional ways. • At ‘Shekinah’ – we approach this by identifyingnatural gifts andtalents– and encourage students to pursue their personal interests. • This is called Natural Education.

12. ways to help... • Presently all positions are staffed by volunteers... • The students of ‘Shekinah’ Program would greatly benefit by the organisation being able to employ a full or part time Youth Worker. Approximate Wage = $40 000 / year = $800 / week = $160 / day Or - 1 day/week/year = $8000 Or - 1 day/week/ for Semester 2, 2010 = $ 4000 Or - 2 days/week/ for Semester 2, 2010 = $ 8000

13. Other ways to help... • Currently in need of $12,000 to fulfil the required amount, to secure our ordered bus - on hold ($40, 000 – grant funding) • Donated Resources: Sporting, Craft, Art or Office supplies • Other??? - any ideas??

14. Program activities... includes:- • Basic Maths (from Term 3, 2010 - also access to Maths Online) • Literacy, Life skills, Budgeting, • Games, Team Building and Personal Challenges - (Physical, Emotional, Social and Academic) • Sport, Physical Training and Dance,

15. Program activities... • Small (and larger) Animal Handling Techniques and Care, (includes Horses), • Cooking/Hospitality, • Hairdressing, • Art/Craft/Drawing/Painting, • Drama, • Handcrafts/Sewing, • Beauty/Self-Esteem and Personal Grooming , • Gardening, Horticulture and Nursery work, • Environmental activities and Childcare.

16. The future... “...with our continued intervention, networkingand supportprograms like ‘Shekinah’ will ensure continued support for the educational, emotional , and social needs of some of our more at risk local girls and their families...”

17. The future... “We have a responsibility to teach them, to train them, to love them...” “...we want that their lives are transformed... and that they willimpact their communities in a positive way...”