Non-STARTTS Programs
- Programs
- Non-STARTTS programs
Non-STARTTS Programs
While STARTTS has designed various programs, which include modalities like art, sport and creative activities to support young people, Youth staff are also trained to facilitate programs designed externally.
This includes programs:
- Rock and Water
- Tree of Life
- Swimming Lessons
Rock and Water
Rock and Water is a course made up of a series of exercises and games to develop young people’s confidence, body and self-awareness. While not originally designed for young people from refugee backgrounds, it helps those resettling in Australia to be grounded and aware of their body. Games are martial-arts based, and students learn to block, strike shields, stand strong, negotiate using “rock” or “water” verbal approaches, walk away from a fight, consider alternatives to aggression, and develop understandings about who they are, their intuitive feelings and their personal direction.
Why do we run Rock and Water? To...
- Enhance self-awareness and understanding of own emotions
- Develop self-regulation and thoughtful choices
- Promote respectful communication and positive relationships
- Strengthen resilience and adaptability
- Resolve conflict and prevent bullying and violence
Details for Rock and Water Program
Target Group: Young people from Kingergarten to Year 12.
Program Delivery:
8 weekly sessions, 60 minutes in duration
Designed By:
Freerk Ykema
Maximum no. of participants:
12-15 young people
Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is a collective narrative approach to working with children, young people and families who have experienced violence and/or trauma. Tree of Life enables young people to speak about their lives in ways that makes them stronger and is not re-traumatising.
Utilising the metaphor of the tree, participants explore deeply their life journeys, their roots, knowledge and skills, their hopes and dreams, and the special people in their lives.
Why do we use Tree of Life? To...
- Strengthen sense of identity
- Foster resilience to overcome past challenges
- Promote belonging and connection to social support networks
- Create safe expression through indirect metaphors and storytelling
- Encourage hope, goals and future aspirations
Details for Tree of Life Program
Target Group: Children and young people K-12, or parents/carers from a refugee and refugee-like background.
Program Delivery:
10 weekly sessions, 60 minutes in duration
Designed by:
The Dulwich Centre
Maximum no. of participants:
15-20 young people
Swimming Lessons
The swimming lesson program involves young people in a safe, culturally sensitive and respectful space to develop confidence, awareness and skills about safe water engagement. These lessons are dependent on funding and not always available. However, typically, they are centred around improving young people’s understanding of water-based activities and ensuring they receive accurate information to protect themselves and their families and friends at pools, rivers and beaches.
Swimming programs take place at specific times of the year and aim to be culturally-sensitive for newly-arrived young people. The lessons are conducted by professional instructors, and are funded by the NSW Office of Emergency Management. The Youth Team can facilitate and organise these lessons.
Why do we run Swimming Lessons?
- Build awareness and skills around water
- Reduce fears and misconceptions about swimming
- Enhance knowledge of water safety and engagement
- Reduce social isolation and barriers to connection
- Minimise risk of injuries or fatalities in Australia's water environments
Details for Swimming Lessons
Target Group: Young people 15-25 years old from a refugee or refugee-like background.