Nearly 500 children and young people in care are now benefiting from a scholarship program offered by Catholic schools in South Australia. Source: The Southern Cross.
The partnership between the Department for Child Protection and Catholic Education SA has grown steadily since it began almost four years ago.
The scholarships allow children and young people in care to attend Catholic schools fee-free and also includes uniforms, textbooks, excursions and extracurricular activities for the duration of a student’s schooling.
Initially 100 scholarships were offered per year, increasing to 200 and then 400.
CESA now offers unlimited scholarships to children and young people in care and accepts applications from all students in care who apply.
The scholarships are available at most of the State’s 101 Catholic schools from Reception to year 12.
Last month during Child Protection Week, South Australia’s Child Protection Minister, Katrine Hildyard, visited St John Bosco School in Brooklyn Park where she met with principal Kate Turner and Rachel Smith, a carer.
Ms Turner said the St John Bosco community took pride in the strong partnerships it has with families and carers, ensuring they feel respected, informed and actively engaged in their children’s education from the start.
“The financial support goes beyond school fees to include uniforms, textbooks and the cost of some extracurricular activities to enable children to fully participate in school life,” she said.
“Through regular checks with students, we can monitor their wellbeing and ensure their needs are met.
“At the heart of our school is a community built on relationships, where everyone is welcome.”
FUL STORY
More children benefit from CESA scholarships (By Jenny Brinkworth, The Southern Cross)
