KOKODA YOUTH FOUNDATION
On the Right Track
The On The Right Track program is operated in conjunction with a selected high schools, targeting grade 9 and 10 students who are disengaged from their education.
Through a combination of life skill lessons, physical activity, shared success with new friends and community service over a period of 6 months, these teens gain skills and confidence to overcome adversity and remain engaged in the education system.
OTRT is delivered over two school terms by qualified professional social workers, educational and youth worker staff. It is delivered during school hours with the participants meeting for hiking and activities one day each week.
The first term primarily delivers structured evidenced based intervention to enhance the participant’s skills and target their need areas. The second term involves community service projects where participants gain repeated and irrefutable experiences of demonstrating their own personal value to the community and validating their personal growth journey.
Selection for OTRT does target participants experiencing significant complex needs and multiple risk factors. Professional staff often, in partnership with both Government and Community Sector referral agencies, delivers OTRT. While the schedule of OTRT always involves Cognitive Behaviour Therapy delivered in an Adventure Based Learning environment, the target outcomes vary from group to group.
The program challenges the negative thought processes that can often result in negative behaviours. It provides enhanced thinking and social skills that help young people achieve success and respect in their interpersonal relationships, leading to positive and rewarding outcomes. The young person takes charge of, and responsibility for, their own thoughts, emotions and actions and hopefully reinforces their belief in the need to remain in the education system.
