Developing youth leaders in Wadeye

The Wadeye Youth Leadership & Career Development Program was developed for youth in the community who had become disengaged upon returning from boarding school outside of the community. The program, facilitated by the Thathangathay Foundation, targeted youth that community elders considered had leadership potential.

Twenty six year old Alex Lantjin said that before the program he was very nervous.

“This program has taught me how to feel more confident and want to continue to be a role model for young boys in my family and in the Wadeye community,” Alex said.

Over the six month program participants completed three training blocks delivered by ETM Perspectives, a leadership and training service provider.

The first block, An Introduction to Leadership, was presented in Wadeye in May and explained what it meant to be a leader, while Walking in Two Worlds, delivered in late June, discussed the principles of leading within one’s own community.

In August the final block was completed with 22 youth participating in a five day visit to Sydney, staying at the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence and visiting NITV, Koori Radio, Redfern’s Block and other Indigenous organisations. They attended sporting events, climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge and visited historic sites.

The youth also met numerous Indigenous leaders and elders including Vic Simms, singer songwriter and traditional owner of La Perouse, Mark Ella, ex-Australian Rugby Team great and NITV sports journalist and commentator, and Lola Forester from Koori Radio Black chat program.

On returning to Wadeye, the youth have been revitalised and sharing their experiences in Sydney. They are now looking to the future and the opportunities before them, both in their community and around Australia.

Bernice Bitting, who is 20 years old, said she’s learned about the strength of her culture and the importance of being strong and speaking up.

“It has made me think about the future and how to get there,” Bernice said.

“I want to be a teacher and help young people. I need to work hard and stay strong and not be distracted if I want to get there.”

Program leader Mark Tunmuck said he had observed an increase both in confidence amongst the whole group, and in pride about who they are and where they are from.

“The leadership group will become role models for their families and community members in Wadeye,” Mark said.

“They will hopefully move off into employment and become active members of the community.”

The Thathangathay Foundation is now considering next steps for the youth, including individual career development pathways and further training opportunities including mentored leadership roles.