When The Hon Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Skills and Training visited Palmerston, Jemma had the honour of meeting him and sharing her journey through the STEPS Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program.
Having come a long way from her shy beginnings, Jemma confidently joined her class in presenting artwork to Minister Giles and said the experience was a powerful reminder of the progress she’s made.
She expressed her feelings in a heartfelt journal entry that she shared with her trainers and peers, recognising everyone’s hard work and how meaningful Minister Giles’ visit was to her and the other participants.
“Presenting Minister Giles from Canberra on his recent visit to Palmerston was an absolute honour,” Jemma wrote.
“The highlight for me was when the Minister took the time to look at each of us before declaring to all, ‘this painting is important to me.’ I could not have felt any happier to hear those lovely words spoken to us with such honesty and genuineness.”
Jemma’s STEPS SEE Program art class in Casuarina showed their gratitude for Minister Giles’ visit with a collaborative painting, gifted alongside a candle made by the Palmerston art class. Both gifts were created to show the participants’ growth and how the STEPS SEE Program has shaped their paths ahead, giving them a renewed sense of self-confidence and possibility.
“Thank you Minister Giles for your support of STEPS and its ongoing programs to help people achieve their goals and become healthy and happy and able to contribute to the world around them,” Jemma wrote.
“Today, for me, was a reminder of how far I’ve come from my awkward, shy beginnings at STEPS Casuarina right up to this day, meeting the Minister and having our collaborative painting presented to him. I feel on top of the world right now.”
We would like to thank The Hon Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Skills and Training for visiting several of our STEPS SEE Program sites in the Northern Territory and seeing the differences that our dedicated teams are making in their communities every day, giving people like Jemma a bright new outlook on life.
Take your next step with the STEPS SEE Program
The STEPS SEE Program is designed to help people develop essential language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills, as well as their self-confidence and independence. Through personalised support and practical learning, STEPS is creating opportunities that change lives—all at no cost to participants.
We have several sites across the Northern Territory and regional Queensland and you can apply today and start anytime.
Talk to our friendly team today by calling 1300 131 965 or emailing training@stepsgroup.com.au, or visit our SEE Program webpage for more information.
