Maxing out youth leadership in local students

Success is sweet for 15 local high students who have just completed a 22 week leadership program with Max Potential.

Students came from Belmore Boys High School, Birrong Boys High School, Canterbury Boys High School, Kingsgrove North High School and Wiley Park Girls High School and through the Max Potential program, were assigned mentors who coached them through workshops and one-on-one sessions. The program culminated in small individual community service projects that benefitted local schools and organisations.

“Participants get to achieve goals that are important to them and have the benefit of having someone interested in helping them achieve their success. They also have a better and more positive image of themselves as leaders and feel good about making a difference in their community,” said Sue Booth, Canterbury/Bankstown Max Potential Project Manager.

“Youth and social work organisations often are pleased to have the young adults come and run an activity for their clients. Projects in nursing homes and child care centres allow a growing community connection that recognises and respects both the elderly and the very young.”

Their graduation Showcase Expo was recently held at Canterbury League Club on August 19 and was attended by family and friends, as well as an appearance by Max Potential Ambassador and Member for Lakemba, Robert Furolo.

Some projects that were showcased at the expo include a literacy program for primary students, a lunchtime/afterschool program for primary students using superheroes to help them understand the characteristics of leadership, a recycling education program teaching primary students how to separate recyclables and non-recyclables, and visits to St Basil’s Nursing Home to spend time with their residents.

Canterbury League Club provided a donation of $3500 to this year’s Max Potential program which was used to cover the training and support costs of a coach, and program resources. Canterbury also covered all of their catering costs and room hire for the year.

“This program gives the opportunity for young adults to learn important life skills while at the same time connect with their community. It is great for our future leaders to have the space to discuss issues important to them and have a vehicle to make that change in their community,” said Dave Brace, CEO of Canterbury League Club.