More than one path
Umoja Stay @ School Program
Umoja Stay @ School Program
The Umoja Stay @ School Program is dedicated to providing intensive, trauma-informed support to multicultural young people at risk of disengaging or recently disengaged from school. Our holistic approach emphasizes educational engagement, personal development, family support, and community connections to empower youth and build sustainable futures.
Program Aims
- Re-engage Youth: Facilitate the re-engagement of young people with their education
through personalized support plans.
- Build Resilience: Support young people in building resilience and self-esteem through
mentorship, counseling, and personal development activities.
- Enhance Life Skills: Offer training in time management, goal setting, conflict resolution,
and stress management.
- Strengthen Family Relationships: Engage families to improve dynamics and create
supportive home environments.
- Promote Cultural Identity: Create environments that respect and value cultural
identities, fostering a sense of belonging and pride.
- Build Community Connections: Foster community involvement through events,
activities, and collaborative projects.
- Facilitate Career Pathways: Provide guidance and support for exploring and pursuing
career pathways.
- Enhance Employability Skills: Offer workshops and training focused on resume
writing, interview techniques, and job search strategies.
- Provide Early Intervention: Address risk factors through early intervention and support.
Program Principles
- Youth-Centric Approach: The best interests of the youth are paramount.
- Holistic and Inclusive Practices: Commitment to culturally appropriate and holistic
practices.
- Family and Community Involvement: Recognize the important role of the family and
community in supporting the young person.
- Empowerment: Encourage young people to take an active role in their own
development and decision-making processes
Our Impact
Faraja has already seen significant success with the Umoja Program. For example, we supported two young students who had disengaged from school. One student secured full-time employment at a warehouse and is now financially independent, while the other is pursuing a career in law enforcement with Faraja’s ongoing support. These success stories highlight the transformative impact of the program in re-engaging youth and creating pathways to employment. However, the demand for our services continues to grow, and we are currently operating at limited capacity due to a lack of resources.