28 CGEA (Certificate in General Education for Adults) students will now begin educational activities as part of a LeasePlan Western Bulldogs community program aimed at youth (15-20 years) who have experienced difficulties with main stream education.
Akermanis met students at Footscray YMCA and spoke about his own experiences with life and football while giving advice on how to overcome adversity.
“We all have to deal with issues from time to time, it’s how we deal with them that matters,” Akermanis said.
“Obviously these young men and women want another opportunity so hopefully they embrace what they have been presented with here. The Bulldogs pride themselves on their commitment to the community and it’s great we have been able to provide them with an alternative education option.”
“Wherever they go from here the choice is theirs,” he said.
Sixteen-year old Stephen Skopilianos said meeting Akermanis provided him with extra motivation to do well in the program.
“It was good to hear about some of the life values and experiences he has had. Now I’m looking forward to learning more with other students at the FRESH centre,” he said.
Students will take part in classes from Monday to Friday until the end of November when they will graduate with their certificate. They will take part in variety of educational topics including finance, drug and alcohol awareness and the importance of advertising in the media.
They will also complete a Certificate 1 in Hospitality and take part in the Macquarie Sports Program, which provides weekly sports activities that promote team work and a healthy lifestyle.
Recognised in Victoria as one of the best alternative education initiatives, the FRESH Program was established in 2004 and has given young people in the western region another chance to achieve senior secondary school leaving certificates.
