Claymore After Dark, the youth driven opportunities program focused on removing barriers to youth involvement in the local community, has received a funding boost.
Campbelltown MP Greg Warren yesterday announced Claymore After Dark had successfully secured $50,000 from the State Government to keep the program going next year.
Working alongside the minister responsible for youth affairs, John Ajaka, the Campbelltown MP said that the funding is the be provided to Save the Children Australia, who developed the Claymore After Dark project via their Youth Advisory Committee.
“I have been lucky enough to engage with some of the youth from Claymore,’’ Mr Warren said.
“As a result, I am certain that some of our best and brightest live in the area.
“No one is, or ever will be, a better advocate for the needs of Claymore residents than Claymore residents themselves.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“It’s important to listen to what is currently being experienced in their community and what their vision is for the future of that community,’’ the MP said.[/social_quote]
Claymore After Dark is one of only 28 organisations chosen across NSW to undertake funded projects in 2017.
The program aims to create a safe space for community members to connect with one another, develop different life skills, learn about local support services that the community offers and how to access them.
But above all, Claymore After Dark creates a sense of collegiality between the youth of Claymore.
The refreshing by youth for youth approach allows program convenors to equally develop a range of skill sets.
These include leadership skills, youth advocacy work, planning and management and how to effectively work in a team to achieve organisational goals.
“The Claymore After Dark program promises to encourage our youth to put their hand up and advocate proudly on behalf of their community,’’ Mr Warren said.
“I am excited at the prospect of the many opportunities this $50,000 grant will offer to both our local young people, who shape the agenda of the Claymore After Dark program, and valued community members who participate in the program.”
