Youth mentoring program to be rolled out across NSW

NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello have launched a new youth mentoring program to operate across NSW.

Member for Strathfield Charles Casuscelli attended the announcement of the $3 million youth mentoring program, Youth Frontiers, at Strathfield South High School.

Mr Baird said more than 1,200 high school students in years 8 and 9 would be nominated by schools and community groups to take part in the program.

“We want students to be actively engaged in their school communities and this program will help them develop their skills and build their confidence,” Mr Baird said.

“This is a one-on-one program that will focus on the needs of individual students with each student to be paired with a mentor during the school year.

“Not all teenagers find it easy to engage in the traditional learning environment. This program is designed to help those students work out what they’re good at so they can ambitiously work toward succeeding in tertiary education or employment.”

Mr Dominello said the students would receive at least 30 hours of mentoring and would develop an idea for a community project that would benefit their local area.

“The students will work with their mentors to develop projects in one of several areas including community harmony, engagement through sport, the empowerment of young women, youth mental health or conservation,” he said.

“Organisations such as Black Dog Institute, Cricket NSW, Sydney Legacy, SBS and Taronga Zoo will support Youth Frontiers by sponsoring awards for the best community projects.

“It’s hoped that by undertaking these projects, with one-on-one guidance from their mentors, these students will develop the confidence and life skills needed to succeed once they leave school.

“Youth Frontiers will be carefully targeted towards students who have the most to gain from a mentoring experience. The most innovative community projects will be recognised and showcased at an end-of-year awards ceremony.”

Mr Casuscelli said up to 16 students would be selected from every electorate across the State to take part in the Youth Frontiers program.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the students engaging with their mentors as they come up with ideas for projects that will make a positive difference in our local community.”