Daniela Gullaci has recently joined CommUnity+ to deliver the Capacity and Innovation Fund (CAIF) Project to support disengaged or at-risk youth from education, training and/or employment. Daniela is looking forward to taking on this exciting new project across the Brimbank, Wyndham, and Melton areas.   

Daniela is passionate about opening up opportunities for young people “I believe it is important that as community services workers we continue to work with and advocate on behalf of young people to address the gaps they face around education, training and employment pathways and opportunities.”

The CAIF project will look to network and consult with young people, local secondary schools, Learn Locals education providers and community organisations to reach the following outcomes:

• Develop an evaluation report through consultations with young people, local youth organisations and secondary school to improve their access and gain a better understanding of pathways for future education, training and/or employment.
• Reconnect disengaged or at-risk young people back into education, training and/or employment by offering them a pre-accredited program.
• Improve young people’s self- esteem and confidence through education, training and employment opportunities.
• Improve coordination and partnerships and share resources with organisations who are interested in increasing the participation of young people in education, training, and employment.

The program will address some of the complex issues identified in the consultation processes and use an integrated service delivery model – which will include outreach from community organisations who can provide social, legal and emotional support. The wrap-around service delivery model will provide a holistic approach and ensure young people develop confidence and self- esteem while at the same time addressing some of the barriers they face to pursue their education, training and/or and employment opportunities. The pre-accredited programs will be held at youth-friendly venues at times that suit their learning needs and focus on a peer engagement model.

Through this project, we hope to build stronger community connections with young people, their families and key stakeholders to address young disengagement from education, training and/or employment.

The project is open to:

• Young people between the age of 15-25 (TBC)
• Who are or are at risk of disengaging from education, training and/or employment
• Who live or recreate in Brimbank, Wyndham, and Melton areas

We are currently looking to consult with young people around the barriers they face in education, training or seeking employment. If you are currently working with young people who would be willing to participate in our consultation process or would like to know more about this project, please contact Daniela on 0419 312 863 or 7379 0124 dgullaci@comm-unityplus.org.au