There can be many barriers when it comes to engaging in further education, especially for those faced with significant disadvantage or challenging life circumstances. Making the decision to dedicate time in our busy lives to undertake study can be confronting and may seem unachievable without the necessary support in place.
Clemente provides a supported learning environment for adults who have experienced disadvantage and who are seeking to study, develop essential life skills, and build confidence and self-esteem.
Disadvantages students may have experienced include but are not limited to mental health challenges, significant grief and loss, previous alcohol or drug addiction, or financial hardship.
Reconnecting with education is a choice that many Australians have made, in May 2021 it was recorded that 68% of Australians aged 15-74 were studying or had studied a non-school qualification¹.
Engagement with the Clemente program can provide unique outcomes and opportunities for each student, for some it is an introduction to go onto to further education at University or a Certificate qualification.
For others, it is to build self-confidence, qualifications and skills for employment, or the opportunity to set out a goal and achieve it in a supported and encouraging space.
Supporting students every step of the way in the Clemente program are Learning Partners,
“We provide students with various forms of assistance, we assist with problem solving and are always happy to listen and be a friendly presence while providing ongoing encouragement.
We also coordinate and attend all the sessions, liaise with universities, lecturers and academic coordinators, negotiate extensions for assessment submission, arrange group study skill classes and library tours for students, ” says Michelle, Ballarat Clemente Key Worker.
Below are some questions and answers that may be helpful to understand more about Clemente and the support available.
What does studying with Clemente look like?
Classes are small and held in a respectful and supportive space. Clemente students are enrolled with Australian Catholic University (ACU).
While the focus is not solely on academic outcomes, students are asked to commit to one Unit at a time. Students who choose to complete four Clemente Units graduate with a Certificate in Liberal studies.
How often is class?
There are two semesters a year – semesters are for 12 weeks with a two-week break during the school holidays.
There are weekly lectures and Learning Partner sessions to attend.
The Ballarat group meet at the Ballarat Library on Tuesday at 1pm – 3pm for a lecture and Thursday 1pm – 3pm for Learning Partner session.
The Melbourne group have lectures on Tuesdays from 12pm - 2pm and attend Learning Partner sessions from 5:30pm - 7pm on Thursday evenings.
Who is Clemente for?
Clemente is for individuals over the age of 18 who are or who have experienced significant disadvantage or challenging life circumstances and are wanting to open doorways to further education, employment opportunities or to build confidence and self-esteem.
Where is it provided and does it cost anything?
Clemente is provided in our Ballarat and East Melbourne/Fitzroy locations. There is no charge to access Clemente.
Do you have to be committed to completing the whole 4 units?
Each Clemente student’s experience and educational journey is unique. Some students will leave after completing 1, 2 or 3 units with enhanced confidence to move onto further study at University level or Certificate level. Whereas some students leave feeling better equipped to seek employment. Completing and passing all four Units provides students with a Certificate in Liberal studies, which can be used to gain entry into further studies.
What if it has been a long time since I have studied or I was at school?
Clemente is provided in a supportive environment – the only prerequisite for Clemente is the ability to read and understand a newspaper article, commitment to attend weekly lectures and learning sessions, and to have the desire to learn!
Is there someone there to help?
There is always someone to help during your time with Clemente.
At East Melbourne – each student is matched with their own volunteer Learning Partner to provide tutoring support, direction and encouragement at weekly sessions. Students also have access to free counselling and mental health support.
At Ballarat – the group has the support of a key worker who coordinates sessions, assists with enrolment and welfare of the students and provides ongoing support.
Do I have to buy a laptop or other resources?
Provided as a part of the course is access to computers when face-to-face learning is permitted, as well as printing and course materials.
Clemente students may be required to have a laptop/computer if Covid-19 restrictions mean lectures and Learning Partner sessions take place online.
How can I enrol!
You can enrol in the Clemente program by calling the Ballarat office (5337 8999) or the East Melbourne office (9287 5555).
Community service organisations and health professionals can also make referrals into this program by calling us.
Classes for Clemente in East Melbourne will begin on 8 March 2022.
East Melbourne Clemente - Unit 1 2022 Course details
The course for this semester is called PHCC102 Being Human. Our lecturer, Dr Jodie McNeilly, is a PHD in philosophy.
This unit introduces students to philosophical reflection concerning what it is to be a human being.
Students examine key concepts, theories and debates relating to a range of important themes in this area, such as:
- the nature of mind and its relation to the body;
- the basis of personal identity and the ‘self’;
- the relationship between rationality and emotion;
- the meaning and extent of personal freedom;
- the inter-personal nature of being human;
- the significance of gender & sexuality;
- considerations about the meaning of life;
- and the implications of human finitude and mortality.
The unit aims to assist students to develop an understanding of key philosophical concepts and theories that allow them to reflect on their beliefs and assumptions, and to engage with the views of others
It also looks to enhance students’ skills in critical reflection on experience, the analysis of arguments, and the formulation and communication of coherent positions of their own.
The Clemente program is also seeking Volunteer Learning Partners in our East Melbourne location to help tutor and support students to achieve their potential.
If you have a degree qualification and you’d like to learn more about the Clemente volunteering opportunities visit here:
Clemente Volunteer Opportunities
Michelle McFayden | Key Worker, Clemente Program
Jenny Phillips | Communications Officer – External Communications Lead
Sources:
¹Australian Bureau of Statistics
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