NCNS Community Development Worker, Justine Reynolds, had the privilege of spending time with Cranebrook High School Students participating in the Clontarf Aboriginal boys program who allowed her to join them on their morning exercise program this morning.
The Clontarf foundation (2013) website states that they are, ‘a charitable not for profit organisation that was created to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men. Their program is delivered through a network of football academies established in partnership with local schools providing an important school-engagement mechanism for many at-risk students who would otherwise not attend or have low school attendance. Clontarf staff mentor and counsel students on a range of behavioural and lifestyle issues while the school caters for their educational needs. To remain in the program students must continue to work at school. Graduates are helped to find employment and are supported to stay employed.’
Clontarf Mentor, Tyson picked Justine from Cranebrook High School, bright and early at 5:30am this morning. Over the next 90 minutes they travelled to Windsor, Cranebrook and Kingswood Park to pick up the rest of the crew. All of the boys were ready and waiting despite the freezing cold morning at just 6°C. Another Clontarf Mentor, Todd then arrived with the second crew. The boys started their strength and aerobic exercises; running, jumping, push ups, and sit ups. Soon enough they had warmed up from the cold.
Once they completed their exercises, the young men and Justine began to sand the park benches in Illawong Reserve in Kingswood Park. This park is about to undergo a face lift with artwork created by members of the community and some new equipment through a grant received by NCNS from Penrith City Council Magnetic Places grant program. We really appreciate the boys helping to get the park ready for the artwork painting and installation. Clontarf Mentor, Todd talked with the group about sanding techniques and woodwork skills. We were so impressed watching the crew pitch in and help get the job done.
NCNS Community Development worker, Justine expressed her gratitude towards the group, “I can’t thank the Clontarf Crew enough, they stepped up immediately when they had to change plans. A huge thank you will never seem enough”
After they had finished sanding the park benches, they drove to Jordan Springs where they completed a walk, some more exercises and enjoyed breakfast.
NCNS Community Development Worker, Justine Reynolds is looking forward to planning more activities with the Cranebrook High School boys participating in The Clontarf Foundations program. Watch this space!
For more information about the Clontarf Foundation check out their website: http://www.clontarf.org.au/
References:
The Clontarf Foundation. 2013. Our Story. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.clontarf.org.au/about/. [Accessed 8 May 2019].