b'GRANTSHelping HoopsPhoto: Adam McKayHELPING HOOPS exceptions being a gifted status. TheKIDS THRIVEHelping Hoops Future second exception is a challenge, differenceKids ManifestoHelping Hoops Future is a free,or disability of some kind. Such people areTo celebrate the Newsboys Foundation multicultural basketball program forconsidered exceptional because of their125th anniversary, Kids Thrive brought older Helping Hoops participants agedgiftedness (which can be to do with theirtogether 125 young community catalysts 15-21 years. The participants have comeintellect, creativity, perception or motoraged 12-13 from Benalla, Geelong and from Helping Hoops community programsskills) and because of their special needsAltona North to share their experiences and are now seeking more challenging(such as a specific learning disability oras change-makers in their communities. and targeted experiences. The programa neurodevelopmental disability). ManyThe kids were bused into the heart of runs every Wednesday evening at Victoriamainstream schools and some familiesMelbournes arts precinct for a big and University in Footscray and is overseenare equipped to handle one or the other ofexciting day at Arts Centre Melbourne. The by a professional coach. The program,these exceptions, but the combination ofyoung people envisioned and presented a which is supported by Newsboys, deliversboth exceptions manifests in a uniquenessKids Manifesto to community and political basketball training and social outcomesthat goes beyond the skills of existingleaderscalling out the changes they in a participation-based, inclusive andschools. want to see in our world. encouraging environment. Tombolo Academy will enable all 2ekidsthrive.org.auhelpinghoops.com.au students to thrive socially, emotionallyThe kids had exposure to peopleand academically through providing fully Helping Hoops, the best familypersonalised learning that is designedthey wouldnt normally have, for in the world! These guys provideand created by the students themselves.example members of parliament A+ training, its amazing and The school will provide a curriculumand UNICEF. It was great. The its fun. which is strength-based and differentiatedkids listened to them.according to each individual students KIDS LIKE US abilities. The weaknesses that can cause The KLU Transformation Planning anda student to not fit into the average Management Project in partnership withclassroom will be accommodated and Social Venture Partners negated as much as possible. This will Kids Like Us Australia Limited (KLU) isoccur through the intentional use of on the precipice of significant growth.technology, hands on learning, movement, Funded by the Newsboys Foundationnegotiated individual learning plans, with pro-bono professional expertise byindividual assignments, specific focused Social Venture Partners, Kids Like Uscase management and other appropriate is working towards opening Tombolointerventions.Academy, Australias first school for twice- kidslikeus.org.auexceptional students.Twice-exceptional (2e) refers to someone living with two exceptions that deviate from the normone of these 16NEWSBOYS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019'