THE ARTIE Academy’s newest recruits did not need to be convinced of the effectiveness of the program they are working in – they have already lived it.
The unbridled success of the ARTIE Academy has led to a rapid expansion of the program, meaning FOGS has brought on board more Education Coordinators to keep up with the demand from Queensland schools wanting to be a part of it.
Joining current Education Coordinator Andrea Warren, are new recruits Program Manager Steven Page and Education Coordinators Coen Oates, Phil Dennis, Jacob Johnson and Kobe Nona.
Jacob can tell you exactly how much difference the ARTIE Academy can make to the life of a young student – he went through the program himself while at Marsden State High School.
“I think I can share my experiences going through the ARTIE Academy, and it helps me with my role because I know where the students are at in their education,” Jacob said.
“That helps a lot.
“I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for the ARTIE Academy.
“ARTIE played a major role in turning my life around… (and) I wanted to give back and do something like this.
“It is a very rewarding career. I know how much it means to the kids, because I used to be one of them myself.”
Kobe too has seen the impact of the ARTIE Academy from close quarters – her sister was part of the program at Cavendish Road State High School.
She says the program’s impact on her sister, combined with her own desire to work with children, made the opportunity to work at FOGS with the ARTIE Academy too good to ignore.
“The ARTIE Academy was a good incentive for her to go to school, and it was good seeing her enjoy the rewards that came with it,” Kobe said.
“It is an enjoyable workplace. Everyone around us is really supportive and helpful.
“It is a big job, but it is very rewarding when you see the students get so excited for their rewards and enjoying something good at school.”
This article was written for the FOGS Queenslander Magazine, to read more click here.