Cheynie's Success Story
Friday, 21 September 2007

Cheynie Pearce behind the wheel of her new car after gaining her licence in September through the Ganbina Koori Driver Skills Program.

Earlier this year Cheynie Pearce was considering calling Year 12 quits.

 "I thought I wasn't going to finish school," Cheynie said reflecting on her year at Shepparton High School. But her life has had a dramatic turn around since joining    Ganbina in June and she graduates Year 12 VCAL on October 26!

Now she has Year 12 under her belt she has her sights set on completing a full certificate in childcare work at Tafe next year and has started looking for work to keep her motivated when she graduates in three weeks.

"I feel more positive about the future," Cheynie said. "I have more confidence in myself than ever before."

From the day she walked into Ganbina Cheynie took on every challenge and opportunity Ganbina offered and she has racked up some fantastic results.

One of her major achievements was on September 18 when Cheynie gained her probationary licence. "I would never have got my licence if it wasn't for Ganbina. It's really exciting. It makes me feel a lot more free and independent."

Cheynie, the oldest in her family, is being a great role model for her younger siblings and is the pride of her parents.  She also recognized that gaining her licence was important in getting a job. "It will leave a better impression on employers because they will know I am independent and have transport."

Just to cap off her driving achievement Cheynie registered her car the day after she got her licence.    "I have been saving for my car for the past two to three years so it's just great!"

The excitement surrounding Cheynie's achievements in the past four months has been shared by family, friends and Ganbina staff.

"We have seen an amazing transformation in Cheynie. She is full of confidence and has grabbed every opportunity with both hands to change her future. She didn't always achieve her goals the first time round but to her credit she never gave up. She kept going until she reached her goals and we're very proud of her," Ganbina project officer Leonie Drummond said.

Cheynie is a Jobs4U2 participant, gained her licence through the Ganbina Koori Driver Skills Program and was awarded the Thu Giang Nguyen Indigenous Education Scholarship to assist with her education through the Ganbina Scholarship Clearing House.