Souths Cares Liverpool Opportunity Hub continues to create opportunities for program participants to achieve their education and employment aspirations.
While the COVID-19 pandemic created a number of challenges for service delivery in South Western Sydney, the Souths Cares team has responded with innovative strategies to ensure students continue to be exposed to wide range of education and employment pathways.
On Thursday Lurnea High School Student Natalie Trovato along with other program participants attended a ‘Virtual Open Day’ with NSW TAFE with the support of Souths Cares staff.
As a result of the Virtual Open Day and ongoing mentoring from Souths Cares staff, Natalie has now selected a career pathway which will include Certificate III Community Services whilst also obtaining her High School Certificate.
Liverpool Opportunity Hub Program Coordinator Kelly Pulevaka said Natalie had progressed significantly during her time in the program.
‘When I first met Natalie she was going to drop out of school and had no career aspirations," Mrs Pulevaka said.
"Being a proud Indigenous woman from Bundjalung country, I was able to identify and relate to Natalie’s needs and worked closely with her around building her goals and aspirations."
As a reward for her engagement in the program, Natalie recently attended a Rabbitohs home game as a VIP guest of Souths Cares. She said the support received from Souths Cares has helped her connect with her culture and identify career opportunities.
‘Kelly has help me embrace my culture and help me identify career opportunities after I finish year 12," said said.
"I feel though I have more direction in my life with the Souths Cares support."
The Liverpool Opportunity Hub is supported by NSW State Training Services and is open to any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student in grades 5-12 attending school in Liverpool LGA.
For more information about the program, please contact Kelly Pulevaka, Liverpool Opportunity Hub Program Coordinator [email protected]
