Second full region project to be delivered in high need area

The Sammy D Foundation to deliver its second full region project to help end violence in South Australia's regional and remote region with the highest need.

The Sammy D Foundation will deliver its ‘Violence Prevention’ and ‘Alcohol and Other Drug’ Programs to all schools in the Far North region of South Australia, thanks to funding from two private philanthropist trusts. Both the “Perpetual Foundation – Kevin Barnes Gift Fund Endowment” and “The Fred P Archer Charitable Trust” have provided funding to enable the Sammy D Foundation to achieve its goal of educating students across a whole community about the impacts of violence. 
 
Schools in the Far North of South Australia have in the past experienced the highest instances in relation to violence and alcohol and other drug misuse in South Australia.  
 
The funding allows for 80% of the schools in the region – 23 schools including government, Catholic and Independent schools - to receive the Foundation’s recommended schedule of education, which reaches students at four key developmental times over their school lifetime. Across the 23 schools, their programs will reach approximately 1,200 students across years 5, 7, 9 and 10.  
 
The Sammy D Foundation’s school-based presentations and educational workshop sessions for young people address the consequences of violence and drug and alcohol misuse and provide young adults with the knowledge and strategies to keep themselves and their mates safe, with the goal to achieve of a whole school culture where violence is not accepted.  
 
As a result of the Foundation’s school-based programs, 96% of participants have acknowledged that they were made more aware of the impact of one-punch attacks, 93% had a greater understanding of the risks associated with alcohol and other drug misuse. 
 
Ali Valentine, Acting CEO of The Sammy D Foundation, said that this regional funding provides an exciting opportunity: “We know our primary prevention education programs have a real impact; not only on the lives of students who gain tools to keep themselves and their mates safe, but also for the wider community. Studies show a clear trajectory between aggressive behaviour as early as year 2 developing into violent behaviours and substance use by Year 8, so by educating young people at  key developmental times, throughout their school lives, will create a kinder, safer community for us all.” 
 
For further information or photo/interview opportunities, please contact 
Ali Valentine - Acting CEO Sammy D Foundation - 0406 355 267 

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