Maitrix Sumpner-Johnston and Christine and Drew Delaney. Christine's mentee is organising a hand ball competition at her primary school.

EACH project is a little reflection of themselves.

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

$0/

(min cost $0)

or signup to continue reading

See subscription options

Whether it be there personality, hobbies or even their lived experiences – the projects in this year’s Youth Frontiers Mentoring Program were meaningful and personal.

Youth Frontiers involves students in year eight and nine partnering up with a local mentor to build a project of their choosing focused on leadership and civic engagement.

Keeley Sumpner-Johnston did a personal project explaining Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Youth Frontiers program manager Mel Hanger said, “the projects are diverse and reflect each of the students”.

“They do come up with challenges, but this adds to their personal growth and feeling of success when they achieve something great,” Mel said.

“Not only do they learn about themselves and their strengths and weaknesses, but they improve their own self-worth and confidence.”

The students displayed their projects at an official showcase at Club Taree.

Mentor Ruth Sumpner and Taree High School student Olivia Carlile. Olivia delivered a workshop on bullying to year seven students.

For her project, Taree High School student Olivia Carlile delivered a workshop on bullying to year seven students. Bullying is a personal subject for Olivia.

“I’ve been bullied and I want to show people it’s not okay,” Olivia explained.

Olivia told the class what bullying is and how it effects people. She also had them write their names on cards, and describe themselves with positive words.

Mentor Yvonne Fuller and mentee Zac Sheldon. Zac organised a music concert at Chatham High School.

Chatham High School year nine student Zac Sheldon, who was mentored by Yvonne Fuller, organised a concert at his school.

Yvonne said Zac faced challenges, but it all came together to be a relaxed series of four performances.

Chatham High School student Paige Harris, with support from mentor Rhonda Keegan, made a colouring in and activities book for children in hospital.

When Paige was younger she spent a lot of time seeing doctors due to ear infections.

She also had to visit hospital to get grommets put in her ear. What she found was in hospital there wasn’t much to do.

Savannah Woods and Kelly Meredith created the 'Connecting Through Animals' activities booklet for the elderly. The book explains the benefits of therapy books and gives examples of fun activities.

Paige delivered 50 of the books to Manning Hospital. She said “it felt really good” to do that.

Other students focused on sharing their hobbies. Taree High School student Brandon Wallace organised a sport day for year seven students.

Brandon said the day ran smoothly, with the students listening to what he had to say.

His mentor Mel Newlan said she was amazed at his leadership skills.

“He thought outside the box and has developed a can-do attitude.”