Since 2014, Soroptimist International Brisbane Water (SIBW), an organisation focused on improving the lives of women and girls, has provided funding to Central Coast secondary schools to increase the self-esteem and confidence of girls in Years 9 and 10.
In 2020 a seven-week program, ASPIRE, was designed by 3rd year social work students at the University of Newcastle, Ourimbah Campus as part of their course work.
The program features components that focus on self-image, developing positive relationships and goal setting.
It has since been extensively trialed and revised before being offered to other schools this year.
Program manager, Jill Godwin, introduced the Aspire Program to a recent network meeting of Student Support Officers, many of them newly appointed to secondary schools under a NSW Government initiative.
As a result, nine local schools have taken on the program this term, with SIBW providing funding for expenses incurred during the running of the program.
Feedback from schools has been positive with several more planning to join the program in 2023.
Source:
Media release, Nov 10
Soroptimist International Brisbane Water