Mission Statement
“The Clontarf Foundation exists to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, and by doing so, equip them to participate meaningfully in society.”
Since opening its first Academy for 25 boys in 2000 the Foundation has grown to cater for over 10,000 boys in over 140 schools across Western Australia, Northern Territory, Victoria, New South Wales and, South Australia and Queensland.
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 Foundation achieves this through the medium of its Australian Rules and/or Rugby League and a variety of engagement activities in partnership with Fremantle College to cater for the specific educational needs of participants. Any Aboriginal male enrolled at the school is eligible to participate in the academy.
Our program provides an important school-engagement mechanism for many at risk students who would otherwise not attend or have low school attendance. Full time Clontarf staff mentor and counsel students on a range of behavioural and lifestyle issues, while Fremantle College cater to 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 which enables them to participate in education, employment and society in a positive way.
Academy activities are planned within the focus areas of education, leadership, employment, healthy lifestyles, life skills and sport. In order to continue in the program, students must commit to their work at school and embrace the objectives of the Foundation and the college.
Upon completing their education at Fremantle College, graduates are helped to find employment. Specialist Employment Officers are engaged to support this process and provide support until graduates become comfortable with their new jobs and surroundings.
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.
Visit the Clontarf Foundation Website