Kiara, Ben and Teaya are learning first hand what it means to be independent.
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The trio joined five other classmates in graduating with a certificate 1 in developing independence at South West TAFE on Thursday night.
The group members are also fellow residents at Brophy’s Youth Foyer accommodation in central Warrnambool.
Their recently completed course is an accredited VET course offered to vulnerable young people aged 16 to 24 years.
For Kiara Atkinson, 18, her latest achievement tops off a year spent living at the Foyer while completing year 12 and preparing for future employment.
“As the youngest of six I had learnt responsibility, but the course taught me money management and now I’m applying for my own property and I’m looking at doing a traineeship,” she said.
Ben Pomery, the oldest in the group at 24, said the course had taught him many transferable skills.
“It is confidence building,” he said. “It has helped me explore more options, it has taught me a lot about budgeting. It has become easier to cope with your money because there’s strategies and assistance you can have. And balance,” he said. “It’s always good to learn balance because you want to spend your money but you also want to have enough in reserve so you can use it again, like fuel in your car.”
Seventeen year-old graduate Teaya Raynor, who has lived at the Foyer for 12 months, said the course had reminded her of the importance of cleanliness.
“Keeping my apartment clean has become important to me,” she said. “It has also helped me deal with responsibilities and emotions.”
Teaya said the course had helped her set goals which now include finding her own accommodation, finishing her VCAL studies and studying childcare.
Event organiser Foyer Manager Jenny Hand said by dealing with everyday topics most take for granted, this group of young adults were preparing for a better future. “It’s about preparing young people for independent living,” she said.
South West TAFE VCAL teacher Sharna Westley said Foyer residents were encouraged to complete their certificate as a commitment to further education.
“The course helps students graduate with an address book,” she said. “It offers social connections that can offer assistance if and when they need it in the future, like real estate agents and job networks.”