JourneyOnline
Where does a parent, school principal, police officer turn when a fourteen year old boy is on the edge of self harm, being expelled or generally going off the rails? The expert jargon says ‘at risk’ boys need to ‘reconnect’.
Roy Devine is more into actions than jargon and for nine years he’s headed up Scripture Union’s Connect programme, taking on young men in the state high schools and teaching them about team work, friendship and leadership.
The outdoor expedition based programme has turned many around according to Logan’s Senior Constable Virginia Spence. “Working with missing and at-risk kids, rebuilding the relational skills of 13 and 14 year olds is critical before they go over the edge.”
Keanu Schubert is 16 and lives in one of Brisbane’s headline suburbs. Now in Year 11, Keanu came to Connect in Year Nine – “pretty much a mess”. “There was not a lot of good stuff happening,” said Keanu. “I was close to doing things no one should think about.” One the first expedition Keanu made friends among boys he described as his school enemies. Part of his transformation included hearing about Jesus and becoming a disciple. He’s now connected to a number of church youth groups in the Springwood area.
What happen for Keanu , and dozens like him, when they finish at school? These boys are rarely academic and school is still tough going. Many are looking for a way to leave but they know the risks of slipping back into their old ways.
A growing band of tradesmen has joined the battle with an initiative known as Build the Future. Rattling the tin at a tradies dinner – more tool belt than black tie – they raised $140 000 toward finding traineeships and apprenticeships for the boys coming through Connect.
Ambassadors for the initiative include builder Peter Luckman and Building Services Authority General Manager Ian Jennings. “This could help the industry,” said Mr. Jennings. “Old nail bag builders are dying out and this brings quality young people to do something they love. A trade can fulfill a passion.” “These young people aren’t only after a ticket,” according to Mr. Luckman. “They want a future.”
With the BSA now on board, Scripture Union is hoping for support from automotive and engineering industries as well.
Photo : Canoes and a four wheel drive, what more could a boy want? A job. School Chaplain Rebecca Howlett and Connect\\\’s Stu Herriman at the launch of Build the Future with students Jesse Wright, Tyler Thompson and Mitchell Higgs (back row) and Reece Wilson.
