School for homeless kids looking for new home

Plans for development are threatening to dislodge Key College, a school run by non-denominational charity Youth Off The Streets, from its current premises near Central Station. The school faces the threat of closure if it does not find new premises by November, which could potentially prove devastating for both currently-enrolled students and those looking to attend from next year.

Father Chris Riley, the CEO and founder of the charity, is concerned about the short time allocated to relocate the school, and has appealed to the community for help in finding new premises within walking distance of Central at short notice. “Key College is the last stop for Sydney’s homeless young people to gain an education and turn their lives around,” he said. “Right now, we have 12 young students who are eager to complete their high school education. These kids are relying on us to help them get back on track. I am appealing to the community to please help us continue to provide education and opportunity for Sydney’s homeless young people.”

Key College has been helping youths for 13 years, using education to break the cycle of poverty, addiction and abuse. In the previous 12 months, three of the college’s students moved into independent accommodation, one was awarded a scholarship to study Enrolled Nursing at university, four achieved their School Certificate, two completed year 11, and a further two moved on to higher education at TAFE.

“These are truly remarkable results when you consider the difficulties that these young people are trying to overcome,” Father Riley said. “Many have to make finding food and shelter their main priority, so to also achieve in education shows just how amazing these kids are. We can’t afford to give up on them now.”

If you can offer assistance in locating suitable property, contact Vittoria Borazio on 0410 348 700 or vittoriab@youthoffthestreets.com.au; or to donate towards the cause, call 1800 062 288.