Turn pups into top dogs

BY MOLLY COLEMAN

WORK EXPERIENCE STUDENT – MOUNT CLEAR COLLEGE

THE Western Bulldogs have kicked off their six-month Youth Leadership Program in Ballarat and other councils across regional Victoria for 2019.

Offering young people the opportunity to develop their leadership, communication and teamwork skills in an engaging environment, the program is separate from football, but facilitated by the AFL club.

Participants build their confidence, enhance their resilience and are given hands-on experiences, encouraging them to become future community leaders.

Salim Mohamed is the Youth Coordinator of the program and said groups gain a lot personally.

“Empowerment [is] a key feature, but also leadership skills, public speaking skills, empathy and general life skills,” he said.

Groups meet for workshops every second Tuesday to discuss community issues and develop ways to improve them. A variety of activities inform the participants of local social issues and also inspire them to achieve their personal goals.

At the end of the program, each group presents their findings and suggestions to council. Mr Mohamed said there are many organisations willing to help the program.

“We have networks within the council willing to assist them through their projects,” he said. There are up to 20 young people in each area’s group, and these participants were nominated by someone in the community or they applied themselves. There were many applicants.

“We looked for leadership aspirations, spirit and we also looked at gender balance and the range of schools,” Mr Mohamed said.

For more information about the program or when 2020 applications open, head to westernbulldogs.com.au/foundation.