youthnewly.psdNewly Arrived Youth

The Newly Arrived Youth Specialist Reconnect Team Reconnect team supported 63 new case managed clients during the reporting period as well as continuing support for 46 case managed clients carried over from previous financial year. 54% of NAYS Reconnect clients came from Afghanistan, 11% from Burundi, 8% Congo, 5% Ethiopia, 5% Pakistan, 3% Iran and 3% Tanzania. 2% each were from Burma, Somali and Kenya and 1% each from Thailand, Samoa, Sierra Leone, New Zealand (Maori) and 1% Indigenous.

Clients were assisted in the areas of housing, employment, education, family relationships, health, community engagement and independent living skills. Activities for NAYS clients and other CALD youth have included participation in the Soccer Multicultural festival and family outings to Beenleigh swimming pool and the Crestmead Annual Outdoor Spectacular. The Employment Assistance Program has continued to support NAYS clients and other CALD youth.Reconnect staff also contributed to:

  • Logan Youth Network
  • Logan Housing & Homelessness Network
  • Logan Homeless Persons Information Day
  • Logan Housing & Homelessness Symposium
  • Refugee Awareness Week Conference and Festival
  • Karen Community Fundraising Concert
  • Africa Day Festival
  • Iftar Celebration
  • Persian New Year Celebration

NAYS Reconnect staff, volunteers and vocational placement students continued to strengthen our ongoing partnership with Woodridge State High School by providing

  •  Classroom and reading support for Intensive Language Centre students
  •  Employment assistanec
  • A jewellery making group
  • Support with special school events such as Harmony Day

Partnership with PCYC Crestmead

The Reconnect team initiated a partnership with Crestmead PCYC community development and youth work staff to support CALD youth in the area.  The NAYS program sponsored the Crestmead Annual Outdoor Spectacular Youth Week event and provided a range of activities for the youth.  NAYS clients were linked in with the PCYC Breaking the Cycle (driver training) program Further collaborations are planned for the new financial year.