Youth Opportunities’ expansion into more flexible types of training delivery has resulted in the launch of our new online program, Thrive! Based on the content and philosophy of the Personal Leadership Program, The Marshman Foundation, as the development arm of Youth Opportunities, has been developing Thrive since 2015 and we’re really pleased to see pilot programs making an impact.
Thrive gives schools access to some of the tools and methods of our face-face program, but in an online format, allowing students to learn motivation, wellbeing and goal-planning strategies in an alternative but effective setting. Run as a subject line in schools (across a semester), this model involves us upskilling teachers to support the delivery of the program in their classroom.
The program involves online questions, plus group discussion and teacher-led activities, giving students a skillset to increase their capacity for resilience and responsibility. To achieve the very best outcomes, Youth Opps trains teachers to support the learning and Thrive students are also eligible for SACE points on completion, as with our facilitated program.
Also, as with all our training, Thrive has been established in line with the internationally-recognised Positive Psychology theory of PERMA and from our pilot programs the first EPOCH results showed excellent outcomes all round – improved relationships, increased confidence and a boost in motivation. In fact one teacher told us: “The kids come out of Thrive different people. They have more confidence and self-esteem. The self-belief they learn transforms how they engage with schoolwork. They are much more willing to try. This attitude shift has a profound effect on the whole group.”
The development and launch of Thrive has very much been a multi-stage process with various funding coming from some of our wonderful supporters, so a big thank you to Thyne Reid Foundation and Variety SA, as well as Peter Marshman, for helping us make Thrive a reality.
Our pilot programs saw 103 students take part in our online program last year, from schools including Gawler and District College, Paralowie R-12 School and Eastern Fleurieu School. And, this year, we are on course to significantly increase the number of schools and students involved in the Thrive program. Watch this space or contact us to find out more contact Joanna Thomas, Learning Manager on 8240 3133.