Not-for-profit community service organisation, Suncare, has vowed to do its part when it comes to helping at-risk teens on the Sunshine Coast by supporting Teens Take Control.
Over the coming months, Suncare will donate laptops to the youth program, which will enable students to learn the numeracy and literacy skills they need to get a job.
“We have donated 10 laptops so far this month and will continue to do so, when we are able to,” Suncare Information Communication Technology (ICT) Officer Mauricio Galleguillos said.
Teens Take Control Head of Support & Education Asha Lumsden said their 12-month course focuses on youth developing crucial life, educational, and workplace skills to re-engage in the community.
“At the moment youth are responsible for 34 per cent of crimes recorded on the Sunshine Coast, which is up from 27 per cent in 2019,” Ms Lumsden said.
“Our goal is to see that figure substantially reduced and with the help of originations such as Suncare, we’re confident it will become a reality.
“While we do receive funding from Sunshine Coast Council and now the State and Federal Government, every little bit helps.
“As demand for the program continues to grow, we have many things on the list of required resources, so we are always grateful for any contribution given to Teens Take Control.”
Mr Galleguillos said when the Suncare team heard about the work TTC was doing, they put their heads together to see what they could to help the local charity.
“We thought what better use for our decommissioned laptops, than to have them refurbished and donated to Teens Take Control,” he said.
TTC participant Dakoda was 15 when she first joined the program and said the course has changed her life.
“I’ve been a part of the TTC family for more than two years now and they have given me the support, education and resources I need to find my way,” Dakoda said.
“They take the time to understand everyone and cater for all of our needs.
“Once I turn 18, I hope to get a full-time job at the mines so I can start saving to buy my own house.”
