Education Projects >> Eco-friendly Youth Project >> Regional Delivery

What have we planned for the future? 

2006 – 2007 – Regional Youth Involvement

The second year of the project has involved working with other youth service providers in the region, to assist and support them in integrating ecological sustainability into their activities. The toolkit provides some guidance and the Project Co-ordinator also provides hands-on assistance and advice in implemention. Project partners also provide this type of support. It was anticipated that the needs of each Local Government Area would be unique, and our approach recognised this, through not being a one-size-fits-all. Research with service providers and youth themselves has ensured the appropriateness , and the process undertaken is flexible, adaptable and appropriate to local needs.

 
Regional Workshops

In 2007 a series of regional workshops were conducted to provide training for youth centre staff. Advice on how to develop an action plan for the Centre and instruction in implementing the 6 steps to an Eco-friendly Youth Centre toolkit were central to the training.

To date a youth organisation in each NEWF council area has been approached for training. The outcomes of each workshop varied significantly as size,resources, staff avialablity and commitment all had an impact on the process. At one training workshop participants in youth training schemes as well as staff were involved. This allowed the training to double as an opportunity for the environmental education of students.

Three Youth Centres developed action plans as a result of the training and have implemented these to varying degrees. The New School of Arts Neighbourhood House in South Grafton, whose Links to Learning students were involved in the training workshop have adopted most of the actions they identified in the workshop. Continuing support is provided to all Centres involved to help maintain their commitment and enthusiasm.

In additon to workshops the project was extended through a presentation at the National Youth Affairs Conference held in Melbourne in May 2007.

Further information

The project is informing key youth service providers, organisations, or individuals in the region about the project and there is opportunity to input and/or advise. If you are interested in finding out more information, please contact the Project Co-ordinator.