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The state government recently committed $800,000 over four years towards implementing a positive thinking psychology program into schools.
However a school in Whyalla has already had this program for the last two-and-a-half years and has received no funding for the program from the government.
In 2012, local counsellor Giulio Bortolozzo helped to open the Albert Ellis Learning Centre at Stuart High School.
The centre promotes the work of doctor Albert Ellis who pioneered Rational Emotive Behaviour Education in the 1950s.Mr Bortolozzo said while it was good the government recognised a program like this needed to be implemented into schools, Stuart High School had already been doing it for a while.
“We’re here and we can provide advice and guidance, we would just like to be recognised and we would also like some funding,” he said.
Stuart High School teacher Bruce Ledo said the program’s success was obvious on any day in any of the classrooms.
“Bullying is reduced as the result of this and the student’s knowledge of what they can and should expect of others,” he said.
“Negative or success limiting behaviours are reduced and behaviour management is different and less reactive.
“Positive or success behaviours are identified and reinforced by acknowledgement by teachers and others.”
Dr Ellis’ wife was a special guest at the opening of the centre last year and since then the centre has been recognised in journals and magazines around the world.
Mr Bortolozzo said he was not trying to step on anyone’s toes, as the state government’s recognition of a need to implement the program was good, however he felt the centre at Stuart High School deserved recognition and also much-needed funding.
The announcement of funding and support from the government came after thinker in residence Doctor Martin Seligman released a report which recommended South Australia deliberately measure and build the well-being of all citizens to reduce mental illness, increase resilience and enable every citizen to flourish.
“The question that we should be asking is why someone could not have come to Whyalla to see this operation rather than spend thousands of dollars on an expert to tell us what we already know,” Mr Ledo said.