The Clontarf Foundation uses a unique, innovative and highly successful approach to target one of the most at risk groups in contemporary Australian society – young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.

Using the existing passion that these boys have for sport allows Clontarf to initially attract them to school, and then keep them coming. It is however, not a sporting program – it’s about developing the values, skills and abilities that will assist the boys to transition into meaningful employment and achieve better life outcomes.

The Foundation is partnered with Girrawheen Senior High school to create one of its ‘Clontarf Academies’ embedded within the school grounds and education program.

Girrawheen Senior High School has two full time Clontarf Academy staff who counsel students on a range of behavioural and lifestyle issues while the school caters for their education needs. Any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male enrolled at the school/s is eligible to participate in the Clontarf academy.

Academy activities are planned within the focus areas of education, leadership, employment, well-being, life skills and sport. In order to remain in the program, participants must continue to work at school and embrace the objectives of the Foundation.

The Foundation’s approach has been very successful, not only in attracting young men to school and retaining them but also in having them embrace more disciplined, purposeful and healthy lifestyles.

For more information, please contact the school on:
girrawheen.shs@education.wa.edu.au or 9247 0555