POWER Community Ltd’s ‘Social Cohesion Program’ is currently in its tenth week and has given participants a great head start in their preparation for the U16 North-Eastern Metro Juniors Football competition.

However, these girls are finding that football is opening more doors than they could have imagined.

On Tuesday evening, Fred Docking from Coles came to talk to the girls about casual employment opportunities in the north-western suburbs. Fred talked about the importance of having the right attitude for the job, a good work ethic and a cheerful disposition, especially when interacting with customers.

He was also very clear on delivering the message that whilst casual employment builds valuable life skills like responsibility and financial independence, their studies must always come first.

“We recognise that parents may have concerns around casual employment taking away time otherwise spent at home studying or doing house chores”, Mr Docking said.

“But we believe Coles have the right policies in place which allow our casual employees to create the right balance between school, home and work life”.

Fred stayed on to watch the girls train for the following hour and was very impressed with the girls’ dedication and hard work on the oval.

In addition to employment opportunities, the girls have also been offered further education opportunities through Youth Parliament. Youth Parliament is a program designed to give young South Australians the opportunity to be heard at the highest levels of State Government, on a wide range of issues relevant to young people’s lives.

Paula Rowe, Senior Practitioner at YWCA was so impressed with the girls during two body image and self-esteem workshops, that she felt that some of the girls would make perfect candidates for the program.

“The girls in this program come from countries and social circumstances that have likely prevented them from having a voice”, she said.

“Youth Parliament” gives them a platform to have their thoughts and ideas heard and enhances their understanding of what it is to live in a democratic country”.

Four girls from African and Aboriginal heritage have each put up their hand to participate in Youth Parliament. They will learn how to prepare a Bill, learn about Parliamentary process and etiquette, debating, public speaking and working with the media, before getting the opportunity to hear their Bill being debated at Parliament House.

Participants can also use Youth Parliament to contribute towards their SACE Certificate as well as the Duke of Edinburgh Award.