Merici College partners with Jasiri for an Australian first in violence prevention

Merici College has teamed with Jasiri Australia for a violence prevention self-defence program.

In a national first, Merici College teamed with Jasiri Australia on Wednesday, September 5 to become the first school in Australia to train all of their students in self-defence.

The program was timed to coincide with National Health and PE Day, and National Child Safety Week.

Founded by Caitlin Figueiredo and Ashleigh Streeter-Jones in December 2017, Jasiri Australia describes itself as being dedicated to the empowerment of women and children through self-defence and leadership training, and supports the Alannah and Madeline Foundation (AMF), the national children’s charity committed to ending violence and abuse.

Under the partnership with Merici, proceeds from the classes will be paid forward to fund vital services for children accessing AMF programs like eSMart, Better Buddies Program and Buddy Bags.

Jasiri Australian CEO, ACT Young Woman of the Year 2018 and former Merici College student Caitlin Figueiredo was rapt her alma mater had taken this step.

“I am overjoyed that Merici have come on board to champion young women’s safety and health with Jasiri,” she said.

“Our classes will empower a generation of fearless young women with skills, support and resilience to be their own advocates of change”.

Phil Coe, Acting Principal at Merici College, was also proud of the school’s involvement in the program.

Merici College has teamed with Jasiri Australia for a violence prevention self-defence program.

“Merici and Jasiri are pioneering a violence prevention program that will encourage students to develop their International Baccalaureate learner profiles to become fearless and principled communicators,” he said.

“We are committed to empowering our students and providing them with opportunities [like the Jasiri self defence classes] to develop their strength, knowledge and resilience.”

Ashleigh Streeter-Jones, Jasiri Australia COO and ACT Woman of the Year 2018 described the program as the largest of its kind in Australia.

“Given the statistics young women in our country face, it’s fantastic partnering with a local school that is committed to supporting their students overall well-being,” she said.

“Without a doubt, this is a turning point for our organisation and we’ve only just begun. We will not rest until we have eradicated violence against women and children in our country.”

Mr Coe thanked Jasiri Australia for working with the school on this partnership, and for their amazing work in the community.