QLD Projects
Juvenile Justice
Brisbane Youth Detention Centre (BYDC) completed a successful pilot of The Award and has now launched a specific Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Unit. The Centre is a 24 hour facility which accommodates male and female offenders. BYDC recognised The Award program as a key method to assist young people in realising their potential.
The initial selection of participants for the pilot program was undertaken to ensure the young people were able to complete the six month Bronze Program. Four of the selected participants completed the program and an Awards ceremony was conducted to celebrate the achievement.
The Award program was important:
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To encourage the development of personal interests and practical skills. The Participants studied music and hospitality.
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To encourage participation in physical recreation and improvement of performance. They undertook 20 hours of gym and physical fitness over 8 weeks.
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To encourage a sense of community service and responsibility to others. The youth participated in nature and beautification programs for 15 hours over three months.
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To encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery. The Participants participated in an overnight camp at the decommissioned detention centre. Activities included rules and boundary setting, occupational health and safety, first aid, outdoor cooking, orienteering, story telling, astronomy and knot skill.