PROJECT Booyah youth will celebrate their accomplishment with a three day camp after they graduate from their Tafe course in November.
They seek the Mount Isa community’s support in fundraising for their trip.
Six youth served hors d’oeuvres and entrees at the recent Casa Grande Ball, supporting caterer Terrace Gardens.
They were halfway through completing their Certificate I in Hospitality.
The Glencore funded Project Booyah initiative is a 20-week youth training project.
It was designed for at-risk teenagers to be able to reduce their involvement in the criminal justice system.
It could do this by encouraging them to take up further education, career experience and employment.
Glencore’s North Queensland Copper Assets chief operating officer Mike Westerman met the youth who served at the Ball.
“We’re passionate about supporting projects like Booyah that can make a real difference in people’s lives,” he said on Wednesday.
“Our Glencore Community Program North Queensland funding is directed towards projects and initiatives that support the priorities and needs of our communities, with an emphasis on capacity building and sustainable outcomes.”
Caterer Terrace Gardens owner Sonja Wessels said the program was relevant, and that the training gave real prospects for future careers for the youth involved.
The training built up self-esteem, confidence and a sense of hope.
Project Booyah coordinator Bianca Carloss said the youth could not stop smiling after serving at the Ball.
“To say that they enjoyed the experience would be an understatement, this opportunity to work with chefs and caterers in a live work environment is a memory that they will be able to reflect on for the rest of their lives,” she said.
“Not only did this allow them to hone the skills they’re currently learning through their TAFE studies but it also highlighted an extremely important component of Project Booyah – that they can succeed if they have the right attitude.”
