When Korin Newcombe first found Youth Off The Streets in 2004, he was rarely at home and was without a strong support network.
“I was really only concerned with how dangerous I would have to be to survive among these people,” he shares of the company he kept at the time. “I suppose I was angry, lost and depressed. I didn’t have any imagination for success, I just thought I would be a criminal.”
Over the following four years, Korin attended one of Youth Off The Streets’ first special assistance schools and lived at one of our crisis accommodation services, Better Homes Farm. After graduating from high school, Korin not only maintained his connection to Youth Off The Streets but joined the organisation as a staff member.
“I was a young person in Youth Off The Streets for four years,” he reflects. “And I was an employee for 12 years. I have a very deep appreciation for the organisation – every part of it, because I’ve got to see every part of it.”
Having attained a Bachelor of Science while working with Youth Off The Streets as a facilities officer, Korin has since moved on to the next stage of his life and career, finding a job as a graduate geologist.
“Moving on is quite sad, but part of graduating as a high school student, I was so proud of what I’d achieved and everyone was so proud of me that I promised that I would go on to finish a higher degree in science.”
“I had to work first and build a life for myself, because I didn’t have that. So, I took my time to go through and finish my degree, but that’s why I’m moving on. It’s obviously very sad, but I’ve got a lot to look forward to as well.”
What are Special Assistance Schools?
According to Independent Schools Australia, Special Assistance Schools provide alternative educational settings for students with high-level social and emotional needs and cater for students who are at risk, have behavioural difficulties, or whose needs are better met by flexible learning structures that may not be available in all mainstream schools.
What is the difference between independent and private schools?
In Australia, independent and private schools are both non-government or non-public schools, but differ in how they are governed. While private schools are any school that is not funded by the government, independent schools are a sub-category of private schools that are run by a board of governors or trustees with religious or values-based ethos that aren’t served my mainstream schools.
In the case of the registered and accredited independent schools run by Youth Off The Streets, the schools prioritise experience-based learning and research practices. Our alternative education model nurtures each student’s strengths while supporting those facing complex challenges.
What are the Youth Off The Streets schools?
Youth Off The Streets operates six independent special assistance schools, registered and accredited with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Those schools are Craig David College in Cordeaux Heights, EDEN College in Macquarie Fields, Key College – Chapel School Campus in Merrylands, Key College in Redfern, The Bowen College in Maroubra and The Lakes College in Blue Haven on the NSW Central Coast.