A new venture that aims to expand the opportunities for young Australians has made its mark at Menai.
Project Youth is collaborating with cafe staff at Menai youth centre to help young people who have disengaged with school or the workforce.
Launched last month, Cafe Y is a place for young people to gain social support and casual employment.
It gives Sutherland Shire youth the chance to obtain a TAFE certificate 3 in hospitality, Responsible Service Alcohol (RSA) and Responsible Conduct Gambling (RSG) training courses or barista qualifications, in preparation to entering the hospitality industry.
Project Youth's executive officer Kellie Checkley said the program was met with great interest.
"They are excited to work in the cafe, and they have formed a really nice bond with each other," she said.
"We saw the opportunity because Project Youth is very heavily reliant on government funding, which is getting scarcer to come by.
"So we put our hats on to come up with a way to help disadvantaged youth while running a profit back into Project Youth."
The cafe's manager and TAFE teacher, Liane Casaceli, said the space existed as a "social enterprise".
"As a non-profit, community cafe, we love seeing people come in to get life experience," she said.
"We've had Men's Shed, young mums, elderly and people from Alzheimer's disease groups come in to mix with the youth.
"It's great to see them get life experience while building up their skills and confidence."
YOUTH BENEFIT
‘‘While studying and working at the cafe, I’ve met new people who are really nice.
‘‘I’m enjoying the course and I’m feeling really good about myself.
‘‘I have made my family proud of me, which is great.
‘‘I’ll also be able to get a job easier with the skills and certificates I will receive at the end of the course.’’
- Jayden Andrews
‘‘I’ve developed a lot in many ways while starting the course, and I’m feeling a lot more confident and happier with myself.’’
‘‘Working has allowed me to further my skills and open more opportunities to better my future.
‘‘My self-esteem has gone right up since starting the course — I believe in myself more.’’
- Kelly Ingham
