A new venue launched today is the realisation of a workplace training ambition for special education students from Henbury School.
The Henbury Precinct café and op shop in Casuarina Village Shopping Centre offers exciting hospitality and retail options for customers, and supports the students to develop critical work competencies to help them transition from school to the workforce.
Students will prepare food and drinks, serve customers, and clean. They will also undertake industry recognised certifications such as food safety and barista training; and be involved in a mix of voluntary and paid work, and work experience.
The establishment of the Henbury Precinct is the result of numerous fundraising efforts supported by the Henbury School Council, several Territory companies, and a grant from the City of Darwin Council.
Implemented by Henbury School, continued fundraising and business profits are expected to ensure the longevity of the project which has evolved from a smaller operation in Aralia Street, Nightcliff.
The café will operate from 8:30am to 1:30pm Thursdays to Saturdays while the op shop will be open six days a week, year round.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Eva Lawler:
"The Henbury Precinct Café and Op Shop is an innovative example of how schools can help students get ready for the workforce.
"This hospitality and retail outlet is the perfect springboard for students to learn to develop a range of skills to set them up for post-school opportunities..
"Students will not only be learning the tricks of the trade including shop management, food preparation, and customer service; they'll also be developing self-confidence which we know is essential to successful careers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Disabilities Ngaree Ah Kit:
"People with disability have such an important contribution to make to our workforce, and equipping them with a broad employability skillset as part of their school day will make employment opportunities more accessible.
"This is an outstanding initiative from Henbury School which continues to deliver quality outcomes for its students."
Quotes attributable to Henbury School Principal Sarah Corry:
"Working-age people with a disability are twice as likely to be unemployed as those without a disability and that's why we are working to ensure our students have the skills and experience to be gainfully employed in the future.
"Our Henbury Precinct provides the opportunity for training, experience, and skills development in a safe, supportive environment and we're looking forward to seeing this important endeavour flourish."
