LOCAL Member Hon Mia Davies MLA has congratulated Northam Clontarf Academy students for an outstanding year at their graduation ceremony.
Ms Davies said the students had shown a great commitment to their sporting and educational development, which was a great credit to the young men, their families and the staff at Northam Senior High School.
More than $5million in Royalties for Regions funding has supported the expansion of the Clontarf Foundation through the establishment of eight additional Academies in Northam, Carnarvon, Mandurah, Katanning, Derby, Roebourne, Karratha and Fitzroy Crossing.
Ms Davies said Clontarf Academies were formed in partnership with local schools to engage young Aboriginal men in schooling by harnessing the passion they have for football and delivering a football-based education program.
"These young men show a great commitment to both their education and their passion for football and the Clontarf model allows them to develop in both areas," Ms Davies said.
Clontarf figures show an estimated 60 per cent of Aboriginal young people do not complete Year 12 and only around 50 per cent of Aboriginal young people are participating in education, training or meaningful employment.
Ms Davies said the Clontarf Foundation played a vital role in addressing this disparity by providing encouragement and engagement with students.
"It is always a pleasure to visit the Academy and talk with the students, they are articulate, enthusiastic and friendly," she said.
"Congratulation to everyone involved, the Academy is kicking goals for our young men and it's a great asset for the Northam community."
