About
Winds of Change provides young people (12- 18) with a disability or social disadvantage with a unique learning experience, one that is rooted in promoting self-empowerment, self-worth and self-potential. The program is run free of charge one day per week for 8 weeks from Rushcutters Bay on our 50ft yacht for groups of 8 youths.
Through the program participants are taken beyond the traditional classroom and didactic teaching, and instead are offered interactive and engaged learning through the medium of sailing.
The Program
- Is designed around contemporary educational thinking;
- Is built on sound educational theory;
- Provides an environment that facilitates learning; and
- Combines different knowledge, skills and understandings to achieve positive outcomes for participants through an ‘engaged’ learning model with strong mentors.
We provide volunteer mentors (crew) and a qualified skipper, safety equipment, course notes and a course certificate on completion. Each day participants are briefed on the sail plan and at the end of each session they are given homework to complete for the next session. As graduates of our program, participants possess the basics of boat operations, including how to run the boat safely and how to keep themselves and others safe.
Participants are able to experience all environmental factors that impact on the movement of the boat across water and operate the boat to interact with that movement. They utilise their skills as individuals in a team through good communication and teamwork.
Outcomes
Outcomes we have seen in past have included participants displaying a real hunger and aptitude for learning new things. We have seen participants develop more confidence and strength when faced with the challenges they face in their lives. We have also seen participants’ enlightenment as they realise there are wider opportunities for their future careers and social environments. Some previous participants have also involved themselves in our weekly social racing post-program to continue building their skills and engagement.