As part of the Victorian Government’s Department of Education and Training Navigator program, Ladder established a pilot program in partnership with Berry Street to support students in Gippsland.

Navigator supports disengaged young people to return to education and learning. Following the successful of the first pilot program, we celebrated the graduation of another fantastic group of young people who completed the Navigator program in Bass Coast/South Gippsland. This was held at The Coffee Collective Café in Wonthaggi and we were joined by their families, Ladder staff and Case Managers from Berry Street.

Over the course of the 6-week program, participants were supported in 1:1 and group session delivery to identify and progress their individual education goals. In addition to focusing on education outcomes, the program supported participants to increase their health and wellbeing, independent living skills and community connections.

Participants engaged in a range of program sessions covering motivation and discipline, independence and routine, mental health and wellbeing and resilience. Participants also engaged in fun activities such as Mini golf, A Maze n Things fun park at Phillip Island and nature walks at Inverloch.

“The time I spent at Ladder was really needed for me, and I feel like it really helped me build up the courage to go to school again. I had lots of fun and I would love for more people that struggle to go to school to give the program a try.” – Program Participant

Since completing the program every participant has felt better equipped to return back to school. This is a testament to the hard work of participants working hard on their personal goals over the course of the program. All participants will be returning to school, with one graduate finalising her enrolment into another school.

“I really enjoyed the program, and I was always very comfortable in the environment that the Development Coaches were able to create. I am sad that the program is over but I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.” – Program Participant

We look forward to implementing the third and final Navigator program later in the year.