Clemente Fitzroy
Creating new possibilities through a university education for the socially disadvantaged.
CatholicCare is excited to announce a new partnership between Australian Catholic University (ACU) and CatholicCare – Clemente Fitzroy. This program will expand our suite of services offered through the St Mary of the Cross Centre in Brunswick Street by offering free, supported tertiary level education in the Humanities, delivered in a community setting for people who are experiencing significant disadvantage.
The program's philosophy is simple - education can change lives and promote social inclusion.
The students engaged with Clemente Fitzroy typically face life challenges such as substance misuse, mental health issues, previous imprisonment or homelessness and/or major psychological distress.
Each student is matched with a Learning Partner (a volunteer) who helps them through the process of learning by providing academic support such as study skills, internet/library research and referencing of essays.
Students will also be supported by staff at St Mary of the Cross to assist them to address issues which may otherwise prevent their participation. Learning Partners will be supported through our Volunteer Support Program.
Students are required to attend a lecture class delivered by ACU staff at our St Mary of the Cross Centre in Fitzroy one afternoon each week, and a tutorial session with their Learning Partners at ACU in Fitzroy one evening each week. It is anticipated that students will need to allocate an additional 8 hours per week for private study and completion of assignments.
The course structure comprises a 13 week unit of study per semester. The unit is a first year university subject with assessments tailored to the program but still of a university standard. Participation is the principal goal. Successful completion of four units qualifies students for a non-Award Certificate of Liberal Arts from ACU and is a pathway into a university degree.
The eligibility requirements for students are:
- A desire to learn
- Commitment to attend the weekly lectures and Learning Partner sessions
- Stability (particularly with regard to mental health and housing)
- Ability to read
- Citizenship or Study Rights
- 18 years or older
- Not currently enrolled at university.
Students participating in the course are regarded by Centrelink as fulfilling their work test obligations. They are also entitled to a ChildCare Rebate for the time they are in classes.
If you know of someone who is eligible and would benefit from becoming a Student Participant, or if you would like to apply yourself, please phone Clemente Fitzroy Manager, Victor Bilous at St Mary of the Cross Centre on 03 8417 1200 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
If you would like to volunteer as a Learning Partner for a minimum of one semester, Victor would be pleased to hear from you either by phone or email.
If you would like more details on Clemente Australia, please click here: www.acu.edu.au/about_acu/community_engagement/iace/beyond_today/beyond_disadvantage/clemente_australia/
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