LiveWires
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LiveWires
Concern Australia's LiveWires project is a free and accessible after school program for children aged 5 to 11 who reside in and around the Collingwood Housing Estate. The program runs two nights per week. There are up to 400 children living on the estate, many of whom are left unsupervised after school.
Prior to the creation of LiveWires, there were no facilities targeting this age group. There was much concern regarding these children who would rarely have an opportunity to attend an after school program. One social worker stated that “unless we can offer support at this age, the future is not hopeful (for this age group).”
Concern Australia works closely with local residents and the other agencies and organisations working on the Collingwood Housing Estate to ensure that the children’s needs are being met and that this is a community project rather than an agency project. We have been fortunate to have support from the Collingwood Neighbourhood House, which is located on the estate, and is host to our program. LiveWires began at the beginning of the second term 2005, and it is planned that the program will continue for as long as the need exists on the estate.
The program includes games, arts and crafts, a homework program, a literacy program, a cooking program, the provision of nutritious evening meals, and a chance to have great fun while building relationships with positive role models. We aim to help children reach the goals of: increased school attendance, improved social skills and community integration, improved health and increased literacy. Another aim is that the program will decrease the property damage and crime in the area. As these children are some of the most vulnerable people in our community, we will be running interactive anti-bullying workshops which teach the children how to act in an assertive way. We have a junior leadership program which is working wonderfully, not to mention a group of committed children coming along every week.
One child said “Why have we never had LiveWires before? I want this to go on forever.”
Concern Australia wants to be able to provide a safe space for children who live in the Collingwood Estate to come, a space where they will be respected, affirmed and encouraged. Thanks to Collingwood Rotary, the Myer Community Fund and the St Martins and Collingwood communities for their support.
To volunteer to help with LiveWires, contact 03 9416 1104 or 0401 174 860
Email us: wires@concernaustralia.org.au
