For some young people, the right support can be the turning point that helps them find purpose, and positive direction. Our Isurava Program offers early intervention for young people aged 8-17 who may be at risk of disengaging from school, or entering the youth justice system, helping them create a brighter path forward. One young person’s* journey through the program shows just how powerful that support can be.
*This is based on a true story of an Isurava Program participant, however, identifying details have been withheld to protect the privacy of the young person.
From Challenge to Change: A Story of Transformation
Like many young people in our Isurava Program, this person’s journey began with some complex challenges, but also the underlying hope of turning things around. When they first joined, they struggled with dysregulation and difficulties with self-discipline. Early sessions could be challenging at times. They used strong language and hesitated or refused to follow instructions. The young person also struggled to recognise the consequences of their own actions, so building respectful engagement with peers and staff was a significant hurdle. Yet, with the appropriate support and guidance provided through the program, the young person began to make meaningful progress.
Within the first week of the program, they began to make small but significant shifts in behaviour, responding more openly and starting to accept the consequences of their actions. These early steps laid the foundation for ongoing growth and positive change throughout the program.
As the program progressed, their transformation started to become clear. They began to attend every mentoring session and embraced all of the program activities including hiking, canoeing, high ropes, and other challenges, showing a big shift in confidence and engagement. With these experiences, they became more receptive to direction, showed a willingness to correct their behaviour when prompted – demonstrating steady growth in self-discipline.
Over time, the young person even started stepping up as a leader, guiding peers toward better decision-making, encouraging others in the cohort to follow instructions and really became a positive influence on the group.
The Isurava Program gave this young person the structure and support where they could begin to change long-standing habits. Through regular mentoring and guidance, they had the chance to reflect on their actions and better understand how their behaviour impacted those around them. Our program leaders led by example, maintaining boundaries, responding with patience, respect and encouragement, and serving as a consistent positive influence to keep each member of the group accountable.
Early signs of change were clear, as this young person spoke more thoughtfully and with less inappropriate language. They responded more promptly to guidance, and increasingly inspired peers to make good choices. This positive change was supported by opportunities and peak experiences through the program.
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Through adventure-based activities, they were able to challenge themselves, achieve small wins, and build confidence along the way, and we look forward to watching them flourish as they recognise their bright future ahead.
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These early outcomes and positive impacts on our young people since Isurava launched in December 2025 are encouraging. They remind us why this program is so vital to young people and reveal the ongoing journey of growth and development that is needed for long term success. Over the duration of the 12-month program, participants receive extensive mentoring support and experiences such as camps and expeditions. In the months ahead, we are certain this one person will continue to make radical changes toward a brighter future, alongside the others in their cohort, as they build skills for life.
You can help another young person take a positive path. If you are or know a young person withdrawing from education, showing signs of anti-social behaviour and needing guidance to stay on a track, learn more about our fully-funded Isurava Progam here.
