While domestic violence was at the forefront this week, the government funding for Waminda’s valued schools education program was cut last year.
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Friends of Waminda has stepped in to help the centre recommence their program next year, donating $13,000 raised at a recent dinner dance.
The event saw more than 100 people come together to help reinstall the program.
The program has previously been funded by both State and Federal Government but came to an end in 2014 after six years.
Waminda’s CEO, Faye Worner said the funding cuts are hard to understand.
“It’s quite ironic, particularly at the moment with White Ribbon Week that funding would be cut for something that really worked,” she said.
“Given all the discussion on domestic violence and healthy relationships, we were really hoping that the funding would be there.
“The schools saw it as very positive thing and I know they’re at their wits end that there’s no funding.”
The Waminda School’s Program previously targeted young Aboriginal girls at local schools including Nowra East, Bomaderry Public, Sanctuary Point Public and Jervis Bay Primary.
Ms Worner said with the program mainly pitched towards primary school students, it’s hoped the message is installed early.
“It’s quite ironic, particularly at the moment with White Ribbon Week that funding would be cut for something that really worked,'
- -Faye Worner
“It’s about supporting young girls very early to make healthy decisions and understand healthy relationships,” she said.
“We grow their self-esteem and confidence and give them the means to make safe choices.
While the program is carefully tailored for young girls, Ms Worner said children are very much aware of the effects of domestic violence.
“Kids are often at the very forefront and they do understand they what’s going on at home so we need to provide them with education early,” she said.
Ms Worner said it’s hoped Friends of Waminda’s recent donation will help reinstall the program in 2015 to Bomaderry Public School and Nowra East Public School.