A program designed for women who want to continue their education and gain sought-after employment skills is branching out into the Cessnock local government area.
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WEA Hunter Foundation’s ‘The Village’ program recently started at Kurri Kurri Community Centre, and will get underway at Cessnock PCYC next week.
It follows a similar program that was launched in Raymond Terrace last year.
The Kurri Kurri and Cessnock courses will run for one day a week over 18 weeks. Students will complete a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways, while learning kitchen and hospitality skills on-site.
Foundation support worker Angela Griffith said The Village doesn’t just cater to young mums but women of a wide range of ages, who have been out of the workforce for a variety of reasons.
“It’s for women who want to make new friends, get skills for work and improve their futures,” she said.
“It builds self-confidence and self-esteem, and provides peer support.”
It’s for women who want to make new friends, get skills for work and improve their futures
- Angela Griffith, WEA Foundation support worker
Kurri Kurri Community Centre is piloting an on-site child care service to cater to women taking part in The Village – some of whom have rarely spent time away from their children.
Most of the women in the course have preschool-aged children; some haven’t worked since having children while others have never been employed.
Confidence, education, skills and friendship were their common reasons for joining the program.
WEA Hunter Foundation manager Wendy Ratcliffe says the initiative supports women who want to continue their education but may be facing major challenges.
“Unfortunately, we’re seeing many young women who are really struggling with mental health, feeling confident as a young mum, or simply haven’t had the encouragement they need to take a new step in their life,” she said.
“The Village is a place to encourage young women to reconnect, gain a qualification, learn from each other and realise their potential.
“It is a mums’ group, a support network, and a space for education and growth.”
The Village runs at Kurri Kurri Community Centre on Wednesdays from 9am to 2pm, and will start at Cessnock PCYC on Thursdays, also from 9am to 2pm, from March 23.
It is also looking to expand to Maitland and Waratah in the near future.
Call WEA Hunter on 4925 4200 for inquiries.
