23 January 2008

Training for Young People in Care

Young people in care across the Southern area are being encouraged to develop qualifications to increase their chances of employment, education and independent living through the TASK Project.

TASK which stands for Training, Awareness, Skills and Knowledge is a personal development programme for young people aged 16-21 years who are currently or were previously in the care system.

Funded by the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, the programme supports young people as they recognise their existing strengths, build upon their skills and grow in confidence as they prepare for an independent life.

Since it was set up in July 2006, 34 young people have participated in TASK, undertaking a wide range of courses including, personal development, art therapy, IT skills, first aid and cookery.

Key features of the programme include; valuing the experience of young people through the care system; supporting the care system; and enabling young people to make positive decisions about their health, education, employment and relationships.

Liz Stevenson from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust which oversees the project says: “Many young people who have been through the care system will have faced challenges that have held them back from achieving educational or vocational qualifications. TASK has given many of its participants their first opportunity to gain a recognised qualification. The project enables young people to identify their own social education needs and provides the support needed to address them. It helps participants to gain an understanding of and to take control over, the social, economic and political forces affecting their lives.

“One of the successes of the Project is that it empowers the young people who participate to make a personal commitment to a personal development process which will continue after the formal programme. 75% of young people who have engaged with TASK last year are now in training or education and 33% have gained employment.”