The award-winning School to Work program, utilising the positive profile of rugby league to support and encourage young Indigenous Australians to complete secondary school studies and transition into further education or employment, graduated another 49 students in 2019.
Now in its sixth year, the Sharks School to Work program, led this year by Tayla Kafoa, continues to be an outstanding success.
“It has been a tremendous year for all of our students and I could not be prouder of everything they have achieved,” Kafoa said. “I am definitely looking forward to seeing what they all achieve as they transition out of school and into the next phase of their journey.”
Kafoa works directly with 80 participants within the program with the 49 students moving on from High School in 2019 celebrated at the School to Work graduation ceremony held at the Sharks Academy fields at Cronulla High School last week.
Andrew Fifita was a special guest, addressing the students before congratulating them on their achievements.
A large percentage of the School to Work participants will now head off to begin tertiary studies at various universities around Sydney, while others start their working careers and further education through TAFE.
School to Work is an NRL initiative supported by the Sharks, with the program aligning with the Sharks Have Heart pillar of ‘Inclusivity and Diversity’ and also in line with the Clubs current Reconciliation Action Plan.
A special thank you to Sharks corporate partner EISS, who supported the day by conducting a barbeque for those in attendance at the graduation event.