$1 Million Injection for Encounter Youth’s Alcohol & Other Drug Education Program
The Department for Education is investing $1 million into Encounter Youth’s alcohol & other drug education program to enable every South Australian high school to access their preventative program.
Encounter Youth Acting Chief Executive Officer Jess Morris said the 3-year investment from the State Government will make a real difference to young peoples’ lives and the broader South Australian community.
“Today’s announcement has helped remove the financial barrier that some schools face to take a best practice approach to alcohol and other drug education,” said Mrs Morris.
“We have adopted a needs-based funding approach, directing the highest level of funding to the schools with the greatest need.
“As the State’s leading provider of drug education in secondary schools, we look forward to equipping more young people with practical strategies to look after themselves and their mates as they celebrate.”
Holistic, Evidence-Based Drug Education
Encounter Youth’s interactive student sessions for Years 7-12 are enhanced by seminars for school staff and parents to ensure they can continue conversations in the classrooms and at home.
“Our program is heavily research-based, and this funding has enabled us to use our expertise to launch follow-up lesson resources to reinforce and remind students what they’ve learnt,” Mrs Morris said.
Education Minister John Gardner unveiled the funding for Encounter Youth’s program earlier today at Glenunga International High School as part of a $2.9 million State Government funding package over three years.
“The Marshall Liberal Government is very serious about deterring young people from having any involvement in illegal drugs, and this investment is an important step in achieving that,” said Minister Gardner.
“We know that illicit substances can interrupt learning, impair development and result in social, emotional, financial and health problems that continue into adulthood.
“The Government’s new investment, in line with our election commitment, enables these NGOs to build their capacity as well ensuring that the important programs can be made available to all schools in South Australia.”
Glenunga Interational High School is just one school who has partnered with Encounter Youth over several years and Assistant Principal Amanda Walsh said the program would enrich the school’s curriculum.
“Our mission at Glenunga International is to develop students’ potential as internationally minded, creative thinking, responsible citizens,” said Ms Walsh.
“A big part of that is supporting students to make good decisions as they discover who they are as adolescents and who they wish to become as adults.
“Programs like Encounter Youth Education enrich our core curriculum and help us to create well-rounded individuals with a clear understanding of the risks that are out there.”
For schools looking to take advantage of the funding, please contact Encounter Youth on (08) 8179 0300 or email education@encounteryouth.com.au
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