Police Liaison Officer Jacqueline Kepple and Sergeant Steve Armstrong-Ravula kick off the TEAM UP program at PCYC Aurukun. Photo: Facebook.
A new generation of leaders at Aurukun State School are in training as the community’s PCYC begins an eight-week social skills program.
Sergeant Steve Armstrong-Ravula and Police Liaison Officer Jacqueline Kepple kicked off the TEAM UP program last week with the first session, which focused on connection.
PCYC Queensland youth and community general manager Andy Cassidy said TEAM UP has been running for more than a decade across the state with the aim of re-engaging students at school, or helping them to develop in a positive way by focusing on leadership qualities and teamwork.
“A strong outcome of the program is teaching young people how to resolve issues in a productive, collaborative and beneficial way, as well as developing strong relationships and interpersonal and leadership skills,” she said.
“It is hoped that these skills will help our young people with confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing.
“We expect that by the end of the program, the youth will form strengthened relationships with themselves, PCYC and their teachers, keeping them engaged in school and prosocial activities.”
Over the eight weeks, Ms Cassidy said students would tackle several topics designed to help them work towards a fulfilling future.
“TEAM UP participants take part in activities designed to develop crucial life skills to build resilience, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, social competencies and skills around communication, patience, assertiveness and problem-solving,” she said.
“The team building exercises create a strong team mentality within the group as they learn to work together and focus on perseverance, goal setting and achievement, priority setting, decision-making and consequences.”
