THE academic progress of disadvantaged students attending the BackTrack school in Armidale has attracted some high powered backers.
The Rotary Club of Armidale is undertaking a significant upgrade of the unlined galvanised iron shed used as a classroom.
SiMERR National Research Centre (UNE) has organised the donation of computers where its QuickSmart Online (QSO) numeracy and literacy courses can be delivered at the shed.
Sport UNE is offering a health and wellbeing program based on exercise and nutrition through a personal trainer, membership passes and gym equipment to be installed in the classroom complex.
New England Mutual has donated $10,000 towards the upgrade through votes recorded on its heartofourcommunity website and Rotary has raised a further $20,000.
Armidale Dumaresq Council continues to support the project by making the old Dumaresq Shire depot available to BackTrack at a peppercorn rent and the Department of Education has funded a teacher two days a week to work at the school.
“We would be nowhere without the strong and ongoing support from the community from the time we started seven years ago,” founder Bernie Shakeshaft said.
“The classroom project demonstrates so much goodwill in giving young fellows a go to catch up on school.
“It is a success, with high attendance rates from the kids who are not noted for turning up to class. They are making great progress learning at their own pace in an environment where they feel confident,” Mr Shakeshaft said.
“We are very grateful to everyone who is helping us with this project as it will make a big difference to the lives of these young people.”
Students attend from Armidale and Duval High Schools, Walcha and Uralla. UNE trialled the QuickSmart Online courses with them earlier in the year.
Rotary members have been involved for months in planning the upgrade and hope it will be completed by the beginning of first term 2014.
