Testimonials

On the verge of being expelled from school and in trouble with the authorities for violence, Jesse was at a crossroads and he knew it. "They were going to give me another week at school, and that was pretty much it for me," he said.

Jesse, who lives in New South Wales, Australia, was thrown a lifeline by Award co-ordinator Mark Smith. Mark recognised his potential and asked him to join Healthy Lifestyles, a programme which meets every Wednesday during the school term. "Youth from the area get together during the school day to learn how to make better choices for themselves and their futures."

Now Jesse mentors other youth in the Healthy Lifestyles Breakfast Club, and is a group leader in the Respect Anger Management programme at Barnados. "We teach them to use their power within their families and community for positive things instead of negative."

He also volunteers at weekends for the local rugby team's LeagueSafe programme, using first aid skills he picked up as part of his Bronze Award. He has achieved a surfing medal and has also qualified to teach swimming. In addition to his volunteer work, Jesse is doing a school based traineeship at a bank. He'll graduate with skills that could take him into the banking industry.

At 16 Jesse has just completed the requirements for his Silver Award. "When Mark told me I was one of the first Aboriginal students to get Silver, I started shaking," he said. "I've come a long way. It took my breath away."

Jesse credits the Award for changing his perspective. "I learned how to set a goal and watched the change happen in myself," he said. "It opened up opportunities for me."

Silver Award holder

With thanks to the New South Wales office of the Award in Australia