Grant to help students cope

Education and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Peter Collier presented the $909,091 Lotterywest grant to Communicare last Wednesday.

‘The Communicare Academy started this year in a temporary building and planning is now underway for major capital works to accommodate students from years 7 to 12 at a permanent home,’ he said.

He said this would support young people who might otherwise ‘fall through the cracks’.

‘While most young people thrive in our schools, some face personal and educational challenges that hinder them,’ he said.

‘This academy is designed to help those young people considered at-risk or severely disengaged so they can learn in a non-traditional education environment.

‘Education can help break the cycle of disadvantage.’

The academy will give students the opportunity to attain a Certificate in Education and also provide counselling and financial assistance.