Since 2015, the Canberra Raiders have proudly partnered with the NRL School to Work (S2W) Program, a transformative initiative aimed at empowering young Indigenous Australians. This program serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging Indigenous youth to complete their schooling and successfully transition into further education or employment.
Through work experience, mentoring, and leadership opportunities, the S2W Program nurtures the potential of young Indigenous Australians, paving the way for their success within our community.
This week, the NRL Youth Leadership Summit will convene, bringing together promising young leaders from across Australia and New Zealand. Four exceptional Year 11 students from across the Canberra region have been chosen to represent the Canberra Raiders at this prestigious event. These students include Tyisha Towney-Cameron and Charlie Smith of Queanbeyan High School and Maddison Warren and Darnell Thomas of Erindale College.
Ahead of the summit, these students were presented with the clubs Indigenous polos and had the unique opportunity to participate in our round 12 captains run on Saturday, May 27th. Here, they mingled with our Indigenous players, embracing and celebrating their heritage and identity.
Participant Maddison Warren beautifully encapsulates the aspirations of our youth, stating, "I am hoping to become a voice in my community and become a mentor for younger Indigenous people so I can help them take up opportunities like this one and help them achieve their goals and dreams."
The Youth Summit serves as a testament to the success of our ongoing commitment to the empowerment of Indigenous youth. It not only provides a platform for learning but also fosters growth, enabling participants to develop the skills necessary to become key leaders within our community.
Jessica Crisp, Canberra Raiders Community Engagement Manager and Damon Knight, NRL School to Work Coordinator, expressed their excitement for the four students participating in this enriching experience. They emphasized the significance of connecting with culture and affirmed the program's role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
As the four representatives embark on their journey to the NRL Indigenous Youth Leadership Summit, we celebrate their achievements and anticipate the positive impact they will have on our community. This summit not only marks a milestone in their personal development but also serves as a fitting introduction to our Indigenous Round on Saturday, April 25th.
