NELSON BAY SCONE BOURKE - Joblink Plus

A different style of
learning
Language, Literacy and
Numeracy Program takes a
non-traditional approach
Samara Lewin’s dream is to confidently read to her
two-year-old daughter.
She wants to be able to pass on a skill that will
help her daughter throughout her life.
The 20-year-old is one of the 300,000 plus Australians
aged between 15 and 24 who have limited language,
literacy and numeracy skills.
Joblink Plus, in partnership with the New England
Institute of TAFE and the Australian Government’s
Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program, is
attempting to re-design the learning environment
and increase the skill levels of young people who have
previously found learning difficult and may have left
school early as a result.
Sonia McDonald from Joblink Plus is a mentor for the
program’s participants and believes the approach to
remove the traditional classroom structure will inspire
and produce improved results.
“These young people have limited literacy and numeracy
skills. This is the first step in order to improve those
skills and proceed onto further education, training or
employment,” Sonia said.
“It’s about attempting something out-of-the-box to
inspire and ignite a passion for learning.”
Samara’s enthusiasm is testament to this innovative
approach.
“I got my grade 10 certificate but I needed to build my
skills more so it’s easier for me to get work and finish my
Certificate III in Community Services,” Samara said.
“But mostly I want to be able to sit and read books with
my daughter, to start her on the right path. But first I
need to build my reading, writing and numeracy skills,”
she said.
The pilot program includes the Language Literacy and
Numeracy Program (LLNP) wrapped around the delivery
of Skill for Work and Training Certificate II and Certificate
I in Hospitality.
CHANGING LIVES
GROUP WORK: Samara Lewin enjoys some chocolate during
a group game encouraging communication between students.
Samara is pictured with Joblink Plus mentors Sonia McDonald
and Athol Munro.
The program also includes reward days for sporting
activities or excursions.
“When I was at school the only thing I liked was art. Going
to TAFE and the Joblink Plus rooms is heaps more relaxed
than school and I think that’s why I’m really enjoying it.”
“I’ve been able to make a few posters and in one class
we did magazine cut outs on posters for our dreams and
future so I really liked that,” Samara said.
Mrs McDonald said that a major component of the
program is the aim to build self-esteem.
“Unstructured team activities and communication
amongst the group plays a big part in that,” she said.
The pilot program will continue throughout the TAFE year
and if successful it is hoped it can be replicated in other
areas across the state.
This project is funded by the Australian Government
under the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program.
The views expressed are not necessarily those of the
Department.
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