A local federal MP says a life-changing program supporting young Sunshine Coast mums is facing collapse after its funding was axed, but the state government says no money has been withdrawn.
The Supporting Teenagers with Education, Mothering and Mentoring (STEMM) program at Burnside State High School has helped about 300 young mums complete their education and enter the workforce over the past 16 years.
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But LNP Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien yesterday issued a press release saying the Labor state government had made a “careless and cruel” move to cut the program’s funding.
“STEMM provides a life-changing opportunity for young mums to continue their education and training, develop life and parenting skills, build healthy relationships and look after their physical and emotional wellbeing,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The state government’s decision to axe funding for young mums on the Sunshine Coast is unforgiveable.
“We are calling on Steven Miles to do the right thing by these young mums and reverse its decision to stop funding this critically important Sunshine Coast program.”
But a spokesperson for the Department of Education told Sunshine Coast News that funding for the program was now guaranteed.
“There has been no cut to or cessation of departmental funding for the Supporting Teenagers for Education, Mothering and Mentoring program,” they said.
“The department continues to provide funding for the teaching staff of the program. This is now provided as part of the school’s regular staffing allocation.”
The Member for Nicklin, Labor’s Rob Skelton, slammed the claims that funding was being axed.
“I am absolutely appalled at the lies being told by Ted O’Brien and the former Member for Nicklin (Marty Hunt) about this vital program,” he said.
“The participants of this program have enough on their plates to deal with without the irresponsible actions of the LNP.
“Their conduct is disgraceful and I’m calling on them to apologise to the participants, teaching staff and community for any stress their behaviour has caused.
“The department continues to provide funding for the teaching staff of the program. This is now provided as part of the school’s regular staffing allocation.
“All they needed to do was call my office and we could have told them.”
Mr Hunt, the LNP candidate for the state seat of Nicklin, said any cuts to funding would short-change the Sunshine Coast community.
“STEMM is a fantastic program supporting young mums to gain support and qualifications to help them succeed in life,” Mr Hunt said.
“As a local school-based police officer, I’m deeply concerned about the prospect of this program being cut because I understand how crucial community programs like STEMM are to so many young people.
“This program is exactly the kind of support that is required to ensure we’re giving young people, particularly those in challenging circumstances, the best chance of success as they go through life.”
The first of its kind in Queensland, the STEMM classroom offers a unique curriculum for pregnant teens and young mums to provide them with support to continue their education and reach their full potential.
Partnering with a number of organisations such as Education Queensland, the University of the Sunshine Coast and Horizon2, the program supports mothers to navigate their new role as parents while also and providing them with the opportunities to build the foundations of a successful career.
Students have the opportunity to study a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, the Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) and a number of online beauty courses.
At 17 years old, Rebecca Kildey was caring for her three-year-old son out of a women’s refuge in Brisbane when she first joined the STEMM program.
The former student used the opportunity to complete a TPP and receive a Certificate III in Business, and has since gone on to build a successful disability support business.
Crediting the support provided by STEMM for her family’s success, Ms Kildey’s son Michael has now grown up and become the first member of her family to graduate from Year 12 and is now studying to become an electrician.
“Without STEMM I never would have found myself back at school and I was fearful that I would lose custody of my child,” Ms Kildey said.
“I am shattered to learn that project funding could be cut from this program because I know first-hand how life-changing it can be for young mums who have nowhere else to go.
“My success and that of my son’s is evidence that the STEMM program works to break the intergenerational cycle of disadvantage.”
The Department of Education spokesperson said the STEMM program was now funded directly through the school via the department, rather than through the previous grant process, meaning it no longer has to apply for funding because it is guaranteed.
“The STEMM program is a highly valued program and is funded in conjunction with the department and community partnerships,” they said.
“The school also receives the regular resourcing per student for those students enrolled in the program as allocated to all enrolments.
“Burnside SHS continues to have the opportunity to make an application to access Youth Pathways/Passing the Baton funding to support alternate programs that they offer.”
Mr O’Brien responded to the claim no cuts would be made to the program by saying: “Those involved in this program are fearful that it will collapse as State Labor has created such doubt and uncertainty over its funding.
“It’s up to Premier Miles to explain why his Labor government is risking the loss of this life-changing program for young mums.”
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