YOS students celebrate graduation
The Salvation Army Youth Outreach Service (YOS) in the Brisbane area celebrated the graduation of 72 students across its three schools on 26 November. More than 280 people, including family and friends of the graduates, Salvation Army personnel, volunteers and community supporters, joined the graduates for the ceremony and dinner at Brisbane’s Victoria Park Golf Club.
The students came from The Salvation Army’s alternate education programs at Stafford and Spring Hill, and the new independent school at Lawnton. Twenty-five students graduated with their Year 12 Queensland Certificates of Education. Others received Year 10 and Year 11 certificates, achievement and encouragement awards, and certificates in Vocational, Educational and Training (VET) courses such as childcare, hospitality and horticulture.
“It’s an inspiring event and planned and looked forward to from the beginning of the year,” said Darren McGhee, YOS Manager, and Principal of the independent school at Lawnton. “The volunteers make it happen. We are also thankful to our local supporters such as hairdressers, make-up artists; Adorne jewellery and Suited to Success who make the graduates look amazing for their special night.”
YOS students come from vulnerable circumstances and, for a variety of reasons, are unable complete their studies at mainstream schools.
Nikiesha, who graduated from Year 11 in 2014, gave her testimony during the evening and showed from personal example the work YOS does in transforming the lives of vulnerable young people.
“If it wasn’t for the support that I got from YOS I wouldn’t be here tonight,” she said. “When my partner and I first came to YOS, we were homeless and living under a stage in a park. YOS has helped us find a place to live; they have given me more support than my own family, and have always been there for us. There is no judging. No criticising. Just listening, love and care, and making sure we are okay and we achieve the best that we can in life.
“Because of everything YOS has done for me, I am now ready to finish Year 12 at YOS and get a certificate III in both hospitality and childcare. When I finish next year I’ll be 18 and going into a job that I love.”
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