The right support and guidance has the potential to change the course of a young person’s life.

The Isurava Program works with young people aged 8-17 at risk of disengagement, and are supported to build confidence in themselves, resilience and purpose. The journey of one young person in particular shows how early intervention can lead to lasting change. Their progress embodies the Kokoda pillar of Endurance, staying calm, managing emotions, and persevering through challenges and new experiences.

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.

ISURAVA PROGRAM: A TURNING POINT

When this young person first entered the Isurava Program, our leaders observed that they were experiencing significant challenges with behaviour, emotional regulation and struggled with engagement in structured environments. They often became frustrated when faced with challenges or expectations. 

During the initial Reset Camp phase, these challenges became more visible. In unfamiliar situations, the young person at times disengaged or withdrew emotionally. It was clear that building resilience, emotional regulation and positive decision making would be key areas of growth for this young person.

Through structured mentoring, outdoor challenges, leadership development sessions, and community service activities, the young person was given opportunities to grow, with steady and meaningful change emerging over time. Experiences such as hiking expeditions, canoeing, team building exercises combined with reflective sessions around the Kokoda pillars of Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice also encouraged the young person to practice perseverance, accountability and teamwork.

The program supports disengaged teens to reach their “breakthrough moment” encouraging them to find a turning point and reconnect with a more positive path. One of the most significant areas of growth came from the Equine Therapy Program with Wounded Heroes Association (Horses 4 Heroes). The cohort was able to learn how many horses had come from challenging situations, creating parallels for our young people, and allowed them to participate in hands-on activities including feeding horses. carrying feed buckets, refilling water throughs, ranking paddocks and helping to care for the animals. Through this experience, the young person showed a willingness to learn, responsibility and showed pride in their contribution to the work being completed.

As the program progressed, staff noted remarkable growth in the young person’s behaviour and engagement, with active participation in the group and activities, growing confidence, even leading by example and positively influencing peers’ decisions to make better choices in group activities. 

These positive changes extended beyond the program. Caregivers and school feedback highlighted that the young person’s emotional regulation and behaviour at home and school, reflecting positive changes and lasting impact of their participation in the program.

During their time in the program, the young person has steadily grown in participation and engagement, shown greater resilience in challenging situations, and begun to take on a leadership role within the group.

Over the duration of the 12-month program, participants receive extensive mentoring support and experiences such as camps and expeditions. We are looking forward to watching this young person and their peers continue to grow, embrace these experiences and shape a brighter for themselves.

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.