my story

16 year old Martina had left high school, was estranged from her father and living with her siblings, mother and grandmother when she was referred to Youth Projects into the commonwealth funded Youth Pathways Program.

With her family under financial pressure, Martina was working night shifts to earn money which impeded on her ability to attend school and ultimately led to her leaving. In lieu of school, Martina was studying Intermediate VCAL at the Glenroy Neighbourhood Learning Centre.

Youth Projects provided counselling and support to Martina, exploring alternative, more suitable employment options and setting personal goals.

Martina successfully secured part-time employment at a reception centre, a job that afforded Martina the opportunity to complete a Certificate 3 in Hospitality, allowed her to have financial independence and to make a commitment to complete school.

Martina has since returned to Sschool and is attending daily. Martina continues to work part-time and recently saved enough money to travel to New Zealand where she reconciled with her father, a moment she describes as “full on”.

Through the support of Youth Projects and the Youth Pathways Program, Martina now has a bright and positive future ahead.