More than 200 young South Australians in state care complete Year 11 or Year 12 in 2018
More than 200 young people in state care have completed Year 11 or Year 12 this year.
SA News
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Finishing Year 12 was a major goal for Tahmika Richardson, to challenge the perception that some people hold of young people who grow up in state care.
The 18-year-old is among more than 230 students in the guardianship of the state to complete Year 11 or Year 12 this year.
The Tyndale Christian School graduate urged people not to “stereotypically” cast children in care as misbehaved or resorting to alcohol or drugs.
“It’s something I’ve had to deal with a lot of my life,” she said.
“I strive for perfection. I wanted to accomplish (Year 12) with the highest standard I could. I got through it, so I’m quite proud of that.”
Tahmika, who was taken into care at 19 months and has lived with the same foster family since, joined others at a reception at Government House this week and is awaiting her university entrance score.
Education Department figures show 159 students living in state care completed Year 11 in public schools this year, and 73 finished Year 12.
Indiana Reese-Loffler, 18, achieved her SA Certificate of Education at Gawler and District College. She was taken into care at 16 months and moved out at 15 to live independently, with support from the Government.
“It was hard, don’t get me wrong, but I figured it out, got where I wanted to be and now it’s good,” she said.
Christies Beach High graduate MichealRobertson, 18, lives with three other young people in a state-run home. Micheal, who has been in care since he was four, completed a research project on his work experience at disability support service Bedford as part of his studies.
“I wanted to make everyone at my house happy that I completed Year 12,” he said.
Child Protection Minister Rachel Sanderson said she was “incredibly proud” of every student completing the SACE while in care, “despite the difficulties they have faced”.
“These young adults are an inspiration to their peers,” she said.
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