Breaking barriers and forging onwards to university
It’s Youth Week in WA and we’re celebrating by shining a spotlight on some of the great stories and initiatives that are coming out of our Horizon House Program.
15 Apr 2020
It was only a year ago that Lawrence was unlikely to graduate high school. But now, thanks to the support of James Garnaut Horizon House in Broome, the 18-year-old is attending the University of Western Australia (UWA) and thriving. Lawrence lived in Horizon House for a year before moving to Perth to attend university, where he is currently majoring in Biology.
Prior to living at Horizon House he was in an overcrowded and unstable family living situation, which was not conducive to his studies.
Lawrence thoroughly enjoyed his time at Horizon House and learned many life skills which he now applies his every day.
“My favourite part was the atmosphere of the house and the people that live and work there,” he said.
“I learned things like cleaning, cooking and just how to be more focussed.”
His advice to other young people is to, “Take every opportunity you can”.
James Garnaut Horizon House Support Coordinator, Venitah Cooke, said Lawrence’s new status as a university student is a testament to his resilience and determination.
“Lawrence also applied for a scholarship prior to beginning at UWA, which is a skill in itself and shows real initiative and drive,” Venitah said.
“Horizon House Broome are very proud to have been a part of his journey.”
“Lawrence is a fantastic example of how stable accommodation and support James Garnaut Horizon House provides to young Aboriginal men can help change the course of their future by giving them the stability they need to be able to focus on education, training and employment.”
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