Established models for engagement programs enable Right Track to take opportunities when they present themselves, with minimum lead time.
On meeting the new Student Services Coordinator at Armadale Senior High School an opportunity arose to engage a select group of young people in a program encouraging positive behaviour around the rail line. It was a great fit for Right Track and an amazing opportunity to reach and empower the young people. The only downside? It was already halfway through Term 4 and we needed to roll out the program before the Christmas break.
Drawing from an established program model that had been tried and tested the previous year, through our Hip Hop Program with Girls' Academy, meant that we could reduce the lead time and roll the program out immediately. The finer details were altered to fit the needs of the students and the school, ensuring the program was still responsive and targeted.
Over four days, ten boys were engaged in developing lyrics to a hip hop track. The program resulted in extremely positive feedback from the students and an excellent music track for them to share with their friends and feel proud of.
This strength based approach to behaviour change is founded in best practice and offers students an opportunity to connect with each other and the facilitator in a relaxed environment. The experienced facilitator creates a supportive environment to workshop issues surrounding safety and public transport.
Teachers agreed that the program was effective in teaching their students about the consequences of high risk behaviour, as well as improving understanding of the dangers of misusing the rail network.
"Students loved the format – understood the messages behind the content and really enjoyed working with MC Trooth" said one teacher.
All students who completed the survey rated the program nine or ten out of ten for satisfaction and noted that participating in the program will positively influence the way they behave around public transport in the future. All students said they would recommend the program to a friend.
For more information or to discuss a similar program for your students, please contact 9326 2055