Canberra PCYC and The Snow Foundation have unveiled a new Youth Mobile Training Van, the ‘Cruisin Café’, which provides vocational training for vulnerable young people. The official unveiling was by His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), and his wife, Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley at Brindabella Business Park on Wednesday 14 October.
Stephen Byron, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, Cheryl O’Donnell, Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA
Life cannot be kind to some people through no fault of their own, and it is organisations like PCYC, that don’t judge but reach out and help young people, This is just another enormous opportunity for these youngsters to learn. His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd)
Cheryl O’Donnell, CEO Canberra PCYC Cheryl O’Donnell said this mobile training van provides an alternative and innovative way to learn. “This program is designed to help these youth become their best. Not only will these they gain qualifications in Hospitality and Barista, but they will also be supported by a dedicated team, who can help them manage the issues that may be holding them back,” she said.
The Crusin Café is a social enterprise, which will be mobile on the streets with all income going back into the program – a first for the ACT region. The program provides on the job training opportunities linked to an employment service who will work alongside Canberra PCYC in engaging potential employers for work experience and paid employment, helping to break the welfare cycle. Canberra PCYC works with over 650 young people and families each year. They know each young person learns in a different way and some struggle with being in mainstream education due to other issues, including mental health, peer pressures, drug and alcohol abuse and domestic violence.
This is a great example of how we can help fill the gaps with a one-off grant, to help grassroots entrepreneurial initiatives like this get off the ground. And to help people reach their potential by creating new and different pathways that lead them to a better future.” Stephen Byron, The Snow Foundation Board Director