At the PCYC Hornsby Ku-ring-gai, students from local schools graduated from the Rise For Unity Program.
The graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of Year 10 students who participated in the program centred around community engagement, social awareness, development of skills in leadership, and inclusivity.
Students participated in workshops over the course of the third term, understanding social issues such as healthy relationships, radicalisation, and cybercrime. Guest speakers would attend their sessions to provide insight on the topics.
Forum One focused on radicalisation, extremism, and hate crimes presented by the Department of Community and Justice CVE Engagement and Support Unit, and the NSW Police Engagement and Hate Crime Unit.
Forum Two touched on domestic violence and healthy relationship delivered by Senior Constable Lewis Peters and Public Health Advocate, Lucy Dahill.
Forum Three focused on mental health and mental wealth presented by Nick Kenny of KYDS.
Forum Four was on inclusivity delivered by Nasrin Azizi and Jude Alnimrawi from Resolution Community Services.
Together, 83 students from 13 schools graduated form the program. These included Asquith Girls High School, Chatswood High School, Cherrybrook Technology, Barker College, Crestwood High School, Hornsby Girls High School, Galston High School, Killarney Heights High School, Ku-ring-gai High School, Normanhurst Boys High School, St Ives High School, Wahroonga Adventist School, and Killara High School.
‘The talent and creativity of this group… blew me away,’ says Senior Constable Lewis Peters. ‘The efforts of this cohort and the time they put into this program, extremely well-involved, it was a huge success.’
For more information about their programs call – 02 8998 5400 or email hornsbykuringgai@pcycnsw.org.au