The Clontarf Foundation exists to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and by doing so equips them to participate more meaningfully in society.
The Clontarf Foundation commenced in 2000 with a single academy located at the Clontarf Aboriginal College in Waterford, WA. The programme catered for 25 students and was operated by two staff members, including founder and current CEO Gerard Neesham. 19 years on, the Foundation operates 119 academies in WA, NT, QLD, NSW, VIC and SA, supports more than 9,000 participants and employees over 428 dedicated staff members.
Using the existing passion that these boys have for sport allows Clontarf to initially attract them to school, and then keep them coming. It is however, not a sporting programme – it’s about developing the values, skills and abilities that will assist the boys to transition into meaningful employment and achieve better life outcomes.
The Foundation partners with schools and communities to create ‘Clontarf academies’ which are embedded within the school grounds and education programme.
Full-time, locally based Clontarf staff mentor and counsel students on a range of behavioural and lifestyle issues while the school caters for their education needs. Any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male enrolled at the school/s is eligible to participate in the Clontarf academy.
Through the use of supportive relationships and environment, the students develop improved self-esteem and confidence which enables them to participate in education, employment and society in a positive way.
Academy activities are planned within the focus areas of education, leadership, employment, well-being, life skills and sport. In order to remain in the programme, participants must continue to work at school and embrace the objectives of the Foundation.
The Foundation’s approach has been very successful, not only in attracting young men to school and retaining them but also in having them embrace more disciplined, purposeful and healthy lifestyles.
Aaron Bin Tahal | Director - Cairns Academy |Year 11 and 12 | T 0418 928 396 | E abint9@eq.edu.au
Dwayne Bosen | Operations Officer - Cairns Academy |Year 9 and 10 | T 0448 295 729 | E dbose6@eq.edu.au