The Clontarf Foundation exists to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal men and by doing so equips them to participate meaningfully in society.
Since opening its first Academy for 25 boys in 2000 the Foundation has grown to cater for about 3,000 boys in 59 schools across Western Australia, Northern Territory, Victoria and New South Wales.
The Foundation believes that failure to experience achievement when young, coupled with a position of under-privilege can lead to alienation, anger and more serious consequences. As a prelude to tackling these and other issues, participants are first provided with an opportunity to succeed and in turn raise their self-esteem.
The vehicle for achieving this outcome is Australian Rules and/or Rugby League. The Foundation uses the existing passion that Aboriginal boys have for football to attract them into school and keep them there. The programmes are delivered through a network of football academies established in partnership with local schools. Any Aboriginal male enrolled at the school is eligible to participate in the Clontarf Academy.
The Clontarf Foundation Academies provide an important school-engagement mechanism for many at-risk students who would otherwise not attend or have low school attendance.
Full time, locally based Clontarf staff mentor and counsel students on a range of behavioural and lifestyle issues while the school caters for their educational needs.
Using a comprehensive approach of supportive relationships, a welcoming environment, and a diverse range of activities, the students develop improved self-esteem and confidence.
Academy activities are planned within the focus areas of education, leadership, employment, healthy lifestyles, life skills and football. In order to remain in the programme, 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.
Funding for the Foundation’s programs is received in equal parts from the Federal government, State or Territory governments and the private sector.
With this in mind the Long Ride 2014 is proud to be associated with the Clontarf Foundation as the Alice Springs region put on a breakfast for the riders who are staying in the area as we depart for Uluru. This is a great initiative for two very worthy causes to get together and share each others experiences.
The breakfast is open to anyone who would like to attend on the morning of October 4 between 7am and 10am - the location will be announced shortly.
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