Mission Australia
Our Vision is to see a fairer Australia by enabling people in need to find pathways to a better life
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Mission Australia launches ground-breaking education program |
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| Friday, 18 April 2008 21:07 | ||||
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Mission Australia will this month officially launch a groundbreaking new program which encourages people experiencing significant life challenges to change their situation through learning. The Catalyst program, sponsored by Woodside, is designed to provide to those who may not normally access university education, enrolment in a course at Edith Cowan University. Mission Australia’s Catalyst Program Coordinator Louise Oakley said the course encouraged students to examine, contemplate and question the world around them, and build their self-esteem. “All the students need is a desire to learn, the willingness to commit to a 12-week program and to be in possession of a Health Care Card,” Ms Oakley said. Woodside Vice President of Sustainable Development Vanessa Guthrie said the company was pleased to be involved in a sponsorship with Mission Australia. “We believe education creates opportunities, not just for the person, but also for the community that benefits from the skills learned. The Catalyst program does just that,” Dr Guthrie said. “This sponsorship provides an opportunity for individuals to build essential skills and progress their development.” Mission Australia established the Catalyst program in Sydney in 2005. The program is based on the successful Clemente program model in the USA and operates worldwide. Ms Oakley said the course delivered accredited university courses in a community setting in which the students felt familiar and comfortable. “Catalyst’s success also stems from its learning partners – volunteers from corporate and community sectors who provide one-on-one support to students during weekly meetings,” she said. Launch details: Venue: Mission Australia, Wattle House, 40 Orr Street Maddington Date: Wednesday April 16, 2008 Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm Media enquiries: John Cooke, PPR, 9388 0944 or 0433 679 780 or Joni van der Woude, PPR, 9388 0944 or 0431 365 549. 
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