2010 “Transforming Lives... Impacting Communities”

‘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

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

- 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.

are:-  Honesty  Respect – property, people, language  Follow the Rules (Expectations)  Safety – Physical and Emotional  Participation

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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 not indicative 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 identifying natural gifts and talents – and encourage students to pursue their personal interests. This is called Natural Education.

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 = $ / 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

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??

includes:- Basic Maths (from Term 3, 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,

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.

“...with our continued intervention, networking and support programs 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...”

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