Kokoda Youth Mentoring Program (Mallee Accommodation & Support Program)

When were you born?

In early 2005

Who funds you?

Office of Youth through DPCD

What kind of mentoring program are you?

One to one and group mentoring

Who are your young people?

At risk youth, disengaged with education and the community and or involved with child protection.

What do you try to do for your young people?

Develop community, education and employment connections. Develop self esteem.

How many young people and mentors do you support right now?

7 Mentees, 11 Mentors

What’s so exciting about you?

The commitment and enthusiasm of the mentors and seeing it rub off on the young people

How are you different to other mentoring programs?

I'm an adventure based 12 month program that includes physical training to prepare to tackle the Kokoda Trail

Do you have any partners to help you out?

Local council and local business and community support

What have you learnt from your journey so far?

You can't help all the young people that are involved in the program

What has been your biggest challenge?

Preparing the mentors and mentees for the rigours of trekking the Kokoda Trail

How have you dealt with this challenge?

Information sessions with past mentors, videos, web sites and heaps of training

What is the one piece of advice you would give to other programs?

Never give up