|
The Angel Investor Network Visit to Forbes
(Sydney Angels Visit the Dream At Work)
On 18 August 2008, a group from the SVA Sydney Angel Investor Network embarked on a three-day visit to Forbes in Western NSW to see first-hand the work of one of the SVA ventures they support: Dream The Pathways. The trip included a visit to Lake Cargelligo, a remote town of 1,300 residents two hours from Forbes, and Murrin Bridge, a small Indigenous community nearby. The group met with program leaders, staff and participants, gaining valuable insight into their work.
Dream The Pathways supports at-risk young people (the majority of whom are Indigenous) in rural and remote towns of central and far west NSW to engage in educational and vocational opportunities. SVA supports this venture because of its engagement with rural and remote communities, the fact it employs and trains local - particularly Indigenous - people, and because it is committed to opening futures for so many disadvantaged youth.
The trip gave the group firsthand experience of the remoteness of these communities, the difficulties this presents (in addition to other significant challenges faced) and the motivation of staff to expose and inspire young people to life opportunities beyond their immediate horizons.
The trip had a deep impact on the group. They saw the extent of the challenges and were inspired by the dedication of the program workers. They witnessed small things making profound changes. Conversely, they saw how relatively simple barriers complicated lives. Transport was an obvious example. - There is no public transport between Murrin Bridge and Lake Cargelligo so to go to the supermarket, post a letter or go to a doctor’s appointment, one has to drive.
- But to drive, young people must first get their L plates, which requires passing the test on a computer – a skill many do not have.
- P plates require at least 120 hours of supervised driving – not an option when so few in your community have a licence.
- One Dream The Pathways program teaches participants how to use a computer to complete the Learners test.
- Dream The Pathways is working with the RTA to determine ways to address these issues so people can get ahead in life.
 | | | | Fiona Smith from the Gordon Estate in West Dubbo proudly shows off her learner drivers licence. |
In the Lake Cargelligo area, 60% of Indigenous females aged 15-24 have left school before finishing Year 10; 53% of the same age bracket are mothers*. The Strong Young Mums program provides opportunities for these mothers for further education, increased parenting skills and the development of positive support networks. The group met with some of these young mums, who like all mothers, only want the best for their children, particularly in regards to education. They want the opportunity to work and to learn how to achieve this, which is what Strong Young Mums provides.
 | | | Artist Sean Cassidy (not pictured) joined the mums to share his skills in 16th century painting techniques, the traditional production of pigment using local rock, soil and sand and integrating these skills in the creation of traditional Aboriginal art work. Pictured (from left to right) are Jessica, Carly, Blake, Strong Young Mums project officer Bonnie Johnson and Kaleb, who are experimenting with the produced paint.
Photo: Fiona Basilé |
Overall the group witnessed the Dream The Pathways approach: one-on-one relationships, characterised by non-judgemental communication, respect and trust, all aimed using small steps to create greater social change with increased opportunities for members of these remote communities.
 If you are interested in learning more about the Angel Investor Network, please contact Justine Roche on (02) 8004 6714.
* Source Centacare Wilcannia-Forbes
|
