The Council for Aboriginal Alcohol Program Services (CAAPS) today announced that Viva Energy Australia (“Viva Energy”) – a national wholesale fuels manufacturer, supplier and retailer – has signed a three-year $300,000 deal supporting its Volatile Substance Misuse Program.
CAAPS chief executive officer, Jill Smith, said Viva Energy’s funds will be used to establish and deliver a program to improve the literacy and numeracy skills of youth in the Darwin-based treatment residential unit.
“Viva Energy’s funds provide a wonderful opportunity to directly support school aged Aboriginal youth who are participating in a 16-week residential program to address substance use issues,” said Jill.
“Secondary school level numeracy and literacy support will be woven into the daily routine for these 12-18 year olds, who are already struggling with a number of issues at such a young age,” she said.
“It’s the first time in our 30-year history that CAAPS is able to fund tailored secondary education services as part of our residential program, which is important given 96% of our clients are school aged – with a median age of just 13.
“Many of the children we assist have low levels of numeracy and literacy due to poor school attendance, so improving their confidence and assisting them to reintegrate back into the education system may help prevent substance misuse relapses and potentially assist in them going on to further education or employment.”
Viva Energy general manager and chair of the company’s Indigenous participation strategy, Dan Ridgway, said CAAPS aligns perfectly with the company’s commitment to invest in community programs that address petrol sniffing and substance abuse.
“It is well-known that poor literacy and numeracy skills increases the chance of substance use among youth so we are proud to support the numeracy and literacy program as a preventative measure that will hopefully see CAAPS participants re-engaging with the education system,” he said.
“Viva Energy has been producing, storing and distributing low aromatic fuel for two-years across northern Australia – including via Shell branded Coles Express service stations.
“In support of the Federal Government’s Petrol Sniffing Prevention program, low aromatic fuel has been hugely successful in reducing petrol sniffing in remote and Indigenous communities, so we’re hoping the numeracy and literacy program can achieve similar success in preventing these young people relapsing.”