Hands Across Hobart
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Overview
The Hands Across Hobart project provided opportunities for young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds to get involved in a range of community activities. The project also provided opportunities for paid work experience with the Hobart Police and Community Youth Club (HPCYC).
What were the aims of the project?
The project gave young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds the opportunity to participate in sport, recreation and cultural activities by providing links with mainstream programs.
Through outreach and mentoring, the project also aimed to increase self confidence, develop skills, demonstrate the importance of teamwork, breakdown cultural barriers as well as reduce crime and antisocial behaviour.
What was involved?
The HPCYC organised sessions in basketball, gymnastics, self defence, martial arts for young people to try and field trips around Southern Tasmania. At the HPCYC's Mobile Activity Centre, young people were encouraged to showcase their culture. Other strategies included linking young people with mainstream sporting teams, providing work experience as well as access to activities and events during school holidays.
The project was funded through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s 2007 Diverse Australia Program (formerly Living in Harmony Program). The HPCYC also contributed with considerable in-kind support. The project was run from November 2007 to January 2009.
Who participated?
Over 8000 people participated, with more than 250 young people between six and 20 years joining the Club. Over 30 different nationalities, including Hobart’s Sudanese and North African communities, took part in the project.
What were the outcomes?
Outcomes included the establishment of successful project activities and links between project participants and sporting teams. The project's paid work experience program was also very successful, with young people gaining practical skills and self-confidence.
Participants were able to integrate successfully with the wider community through the various programs.
The HPCYC will continue to manage project activities so future new arrivals settling in Hobart can be included.
A similar HPCYC project called Meeting in the Middle commenced in Hobart and Launceston in 2009.
Where can I get more information?
Further information on this project is available.
Senior Constable Kim Smith
HPCYC
Telephone: 03 6230 2246
Quotes
"The project was a great success, and exceeded our organiser’s expectations. Most of our participants are now involved in meaningful activities throughout the community and achieving in their sporting pursuits."
Senior Constable Kim Smith, HPCYC
"I learnt a great deal about the various cultures and backgrounds, and it was terrific the way they mixed in with other young people from the Tasmanian community."
Chris Russell, Basketball Coach
"It has helped me with learning the basketball skills, more confidence, as I practise more now than ever. I can talk to people better and have made new friends at PCYC with many of the members from the Tasmanian community."
Arope Makeur, refugee youth participant
"I have a greater fitness level and I am a much better basketball player now than before I started at PCYC. It has given me more confidence and self esteem in myself, has helped me make more contacts in the community and when looking for work."
Yai Mario Ring, female refugee participant/member