Taking a day to make a difference
01 October 2008
It’s hard to make your mark on the world, when, by the age of sixteen, the world has already made a mark on you. With the right support and encouragement, however, even the toughest odds can be turned around.
Twenty Geelong girls from disadvantaged backgrounds were given an ‘edge’ in the competitive local jobs market on Tuesday, September 11, when surfwear giant Quiksilver joined forces with the Gordon TAFE and BacLinks to provide a special day of work skills, information, advice and mentoring.
To help raise their confidence - and assist with all-important work presentation skills - the girls were treated to hair and beauty make-overs and given the opportunity to select work clothes from a range of items of appropriate business wear donated from the Quiksilver staff’s own wardrobes. Professional before and after photographs were taken of each girl to record their transition and provide a memento of their experience.
The girls, aged 15 to 20 years-old, have endured a range of hardships growing up, including neglect, abuse, poverty, illness, trauma and homelessness. The majority have left school early and are socially and educationally disadvantaged when it comes to finding, and keeping, a job. Due to their childhood difficulties, their self-esteem is also low.
The inoovative 'Dare to Succeed' event saw staff of Torquay-based manufacturer and retailer, Quiksilver, provide personal mentorship to the girls and talk through job opportunities and possibilities, as well as assisting the girls in styling an outfit that is suitable to wear to an interview, or to work. Quiksilver staff donated their time as part of their employee volunteer program – Go MAD (Go Make A Difference) which enables staff to take up to two days of paid volunteer leave each year. 'Dare to Succeed' was also sponsored by the Quiksilver Foundation which exists to support community endeavours in the areas of youth, education, health and the environment.
Advice on job and interview preparation and presentation were provided by MatchWorks employees. Hair and make-up styline and advice was provided by Gordon TAFE students.