Page 4 - 14 Apr

Jacquie then went on to tell us “Why” the STEMM program is so very important, not just for
the mums who attend but for their families, their communities and for generations to come.

Just one of the stories told by Jacqui:

Jamie is the STEMM bus driver. He has been with them for the past 4 years. In November
2021, Jamie had to begin Kidney Dialysis. One day whilst he was on dialysis, a lovely young
nurse came to help him. Her name was Tamarah. Tamarah asked Jamie what he did for a job
and he very proudly told her of his job at STEMM. Tamarah got very excited and said “I
went to STEM, they saved me. They are the reason that I am here today. Jamie sees Tamarah
every now and again, and she always gives him a big smile. Unfortunately, on one occasion
Jamie’s dialysis didn’t go so well and he had to go into surgery. As he was being wheeled
into surgery another lovely nurse whose name was Sammy, was talking to him and asked
what he did as a job. Jamie told her about his job at STEMM and to his surprise she said “I
went to STEMM. They helped me escape a very violent relationship and saved my boys and
my life”.

There are STEMM mums doing great things all over Queensland and Australia, working in
Nursing, Childcare, Teaching and fitness to name a few. STEMM mums are changing the
histories of their families. They are contributing to their communities and they are making
better lives for themselves and their children.

STEMM not only works with the mums, but they also work closely with children. All of the
Crèche staff and volunteers are Circle of Security trained and the children are cared and
nurtured whilst the mums are engaging in their education.

The early intervention program in conjunction with the Doctors and Child Health Nurses
allow them to identify any developmental delays or health and wellbeing issues and work
with the mums to provide the best care possible. Research shows us the Children’s brains
develop quickly during early childhood and that up to 90% of brain development occurs in
the first five years of life, and the environment, experiences and relationships that a child is
exposed to during their first 1000 days are particularly significant for brain development.
This is why the program is so important to set the children up for success in their future
years.

These STEMM kids are doing exactly that. They are attending school, gaining an education,
achieving great results.

Amber spoke about the Spirit of the STEMM award that we are supporting. This award is a
special perpetual award and is presented to a student who encapsulates the “Spirit of
STEMM” and honours the STEMM philosophy of “No Judgement” and supporting others in
the program. Along with the recognition is a bursary of $500 to assist them with their
education development.

Personally, I believe this is a program that deserves more support as there is countless
evidence that this program works. It is saving lives and creating durable family units.