The class has just completed 2D Studies and Art, one of four units they have to finish to obtain a Certificate in Liberal Studies through the innovative learning program Mission Australia has run with ACU in Brisbane since 2006.
Joining students at the Catalyst Clemente Art Exhibition opening were Prof Lindsay Farrell, ACU’s Acting Associate Vice Chancellor; Prof Jude Butcher, Director of the Institute for Advancing Community Engagement, and our State Director Queensland, Penny Gillespie, who spoke to students and guests.
“The fact is, we don’t all fit into a specific mould and the system doesn’t work for everyone,” Ms Gillespie said at the launch. “But at Mission Australia, we believe it shouldn’t be the case that those who ‘don’t fit’ should miss out.
“What we can see here tonight is the kind of results you can achieve – the remarkable talent you can unearth – when you start thinking outside the box to give everyone a chance at learning.”
Three Catalyst students – Chris, Pamela and Luke – also shared how the program had transformed their lives:
After suffering an acute brain injury, Chris had been socially isolated for many years and struggled to connect with others. Chris, who has completed his second Catalyst unit, explained how the program had given him a love of art and he now is a prolific painter.
His classmate Luke told guests how, over the course of his decade-long struggle with mental illness he’d cut himself off from the outside world. Thanks to Catalyst Clemente he now has a new lease on life, is enjoying volunteer work and is about to complete his fourth semester of study.
Finally, Pamela was presented with her complete graduation certificate on the night for completing the Catalyst program. Pamela thanked all the staff at ACU, Mission Australia and Minter Ellison Lawyers, who are involved in the program. She told guests she had been blown away by the experience,
Catalyst offers marginalised people, many of whom are dealing with mental health issues or disabilities and are socially disadvantaged, the opportunity to undertake free accredited university courses in humanities subjects. The program helps participants overcome self-esteem, mental health and confidence issues, interact and plan for a positive future.
Subjects are taught by lecturers from ACU National and students team up with volunteer learning partners such as Minter Ellison Lawyers, who provide fortnightly individual support and academic assistance to students as part of its Community Investment Program.
The program, which is made possible thanks to community generosity, involves four unit semesters of study, with classes held for three hours each week for 12 weeks.
After each unit, students are awarded Certificates of Attainment and on completion of all four, they are awarded Certificates in Liberal Arts and given credit points towards further university studies.
Congratulations to all our Brisbane students, including Rhonda, Josephine and Naomi, who have finished their first unit, and Amanda, who has completed two units.
If you would like to support Catalyst Clemente in Brisbane, please call MaryAnne Morgan on (07) 3394 8152.
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