Life’s skills are just a spray away

YOUNG artists will have their work take pride of place at Pakenham’s Services Central.
Cardinia Shire youth services has just finished facilitating an arts program under the 101 Life Skills project with a group of eight Pakenham Secondary College students.
The students worked alongside a professional artist to produce individual pieces of spray-painted art as well as a joint piece that will be displayed in Services Central in Henry Street.
A recognition ceremony was held recently where participants Eric Cale, Maryanne Metuatine, Jamie Berry, Nick Cooper and Liz Unu were presented with certificates.
Sonny Iuta, Samantha Kelly and Kim Rosewarne also participated in the program, but were unable to attend the ceremony.
As well as being involved in learning a variety of art forms, the students had to work collaboratively to produce the finished piece for display.
The program aimed to provide young people with skills in advocacy, decision making, project planning, dealing with conflict, negotiation, networking, budgeting, communications, leadership and life planning.
Young people were also exposed to further education and career opportunities and activities.
This program was funded by the Department for Victorian Communities, Youth Participation and Access Program.