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ABOUT US
History of SPICE:
In 2002 Volunteering ACT and the Northside High School Support Centre in Canberra, conducted a pilot work experience project. This project placed students into work placements with local businesses who acted as volunteer mentors. The results of this program were very positive. Students reengaged with their school, made friends in the workplace and experienced success. Since then SPICE has grown from 20 students in 2000 to 300 students at the end of 2006. Subsequent funding has made possible a SPICE Literacy and Numeracy pilot program to support those students with low literacy and numeracy skills. Literacy and numeracy modules based on workplace problem solving, have been developed in the following industries: farming, retail/hospitality, automotive, hairdressing and carpentry. The literacy and numeracy program has already attracted positive feedback in its first year.
If you would like to establish SPICE in your corner of Australia, please Contact Us.
The benefits of SPICE to students, parents,
and the community are:
- Students are much happier and their behaviour is improved
- Student's learning is increased
- Students are mentored by business partners on work experience,
and by volunteer home tutors, who understand the life skills
and learning required for work.
Parents’ quotes:
“I think this program has a lot to offer children as
far as responsibility and a sense of maturity and a boost
of self-esteem and self-confidence.”
“Gave her a real taste of what the career would be like.”
“He is a much nicer boy and is more settled now.”
Business quote:
“It was a pleasure to have both young ladies. The clients
and staff warmed to them, almost instantly. They were vibrant,
helpful and caring. Eager to help and showed maturity way
above their years.”
Teacher’s quote:
“Flexibility, motivation, enthusiasm, hands-on learning
and a positive reinforcement for students”.
Tutors’ quotes:
“After two tutoring sessions, teachers and parents noticed
an almost magical turn-around in attitude to learning.”
(This was later confirmed during follow up phone calls.)
A tutor reported, “My student finds the learning modules
fun.”
What makes the SPICE program different
to other work experience programs?
SPICE has the following advantages:
- It is an early prevention program for students at risk.
- SPICE reconnects parents and students with their local communities.
The program helps to prevent social isolation, crime and youth unemployment.
- The students, parents, businesses and teachers are all
consulted throughout the placements.
Please contact us for further information or to develop
SPICE in your community.
Acknowledgements:
SPICE would like to gratefully thank all the business partners,
all the tutors, funding bodies, sponsors, students and parents
for their continued support of the program.
The SPICE program is currently funded
by:
Aim of SPICE:
The aim of the SPICE program is to encourage students to
continue their schooling; gaining essential skills for work.
The program gives students:
- Workplace knowledge and friendship.
- New skills.
- Increased confidence and self-esteem.
- Workplace specific literacy and numeracy materials that
support the students in their placements.
- An alternative to 5 day-a-week schooling.
- The opportunity to reconnect with their communities.
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