Publication
Pro Bono
Program
Cadetship
Summary
Doxa is calling on companies across the state to support and change the lives of high-achieving young Australians from disadvantaged backgrounds by becoming a Cadetship Program partner.
Five Things I Learnt About Enterprise Skills From UPP
Year 12 UPP students participating in the Tripod Enterprise Skills session with Betsy Tolmer
“Enterprise Skills” are a buzzword at the moment. But what are they all about? Fundamentally, they’re about knowing your key strengths and understanding how market them to ensure success in the future. In January, Betsy Tolmer from Tripod facilitated a workshop with our Year 12 University Pathways Program (UPP) students on the concept of Enterprise Skills.Our man on the ground, UPP student Josh Cordina was there to report back with 5 things he learnt during the session.
The University Pathways Program session on ‘Enterprise Skills’ allowed me to gain many valuable new skills and information, here are just a few!
1) Teamwork
I was able to refine my teamwork skills through an engaging small group tasks and doing ‘The Big Pitch’ where I was able to try my hand at contributing to the design of a new company. Working with the friends at I had met on UPP over the past few years made this a very entertaining time, as we all enjoyed working with each other’s ideas and practicing teamwork. 🙂
Cookie face – a fun game where company representatives worked to get a cookie from their foreheads into their mouths
2) Elevator Pitch
Refining my skills in giving an ‘elevator pitch’ was another key learning from the session. I managed to create a succinct 30 second introduction that allows you to let a new contact find out the key information about you. The practical advice they gave on how to approach this task made it fun and engaging, whilst also being incredibly useful.
3) Enterprise Skills
Another key take away was the value of enterprise skills, such as digital literacy and presentation skills. Knowing how these compliment formal education reaffirmed the importance of having a balanced education, and has inspired me to seize opportunities to refine them.
Betsy presenting on the importance of developing enterprising skills for jobs of the future
4) Future Of Work
In addition, the workshop informed us about the future of work, and changes to industry setups. This prepared us for what our career paths might look like, and warded off any fears of having a dynamic career.
5) Inspiration
I came away from the Enterprise Skills session inspired and determined to get the most out of opportunities, be they in school, workplaces or the community and to get the best for others and ourselves. This is because the facilitator encouraged us to take pride in what we do, whilst still making valuable contributions.
All in all, I found the experience entertaining with engaging presentations about our future in employment. It also taught us valuable enterprise skills to help make the most of it. I thoroughly enjoyed this session.
Kobe’s experience at Future Focus
Our Future Focus program for students in Years 7 – 8 was introduced last year thanks to funding from the Colonial Foundation.
Ty and Kobe (right) learning about their communication types
The program runs for two years and seeks to connect young people to schooling and assist them with the knowledge and skills to tackle the issues relevant to early adolescence.
Kobe, a Year 7 student, spoke at the inaugural Awards night and it’s truly inspiring to see the impact the workshops are having on this young man’s journey towards finishing school and reaching his dreams.
“I may be a boy in the western suburbs, but that can’t stop me. I may be 13, but that can’t stop me. I may be small, but that can’t stop me.
Because I have the right mind set. Because I believe in myself. Because I can do anything. Because I am a dreamer.
I will, I know I will.
Before this camp, I never ever thought like that, like this. Before Sange Carters talk. I never thought like that.
Her class taught me so much. It inspired me… so much. I took a lot from that class. But the main thing I took from that class was… I want to be like that.
Straight after that session, I thought to myself. How can I, what if, that would. All this stuff that I had never thought of, just made sense like clicking your fingers. It was like my mind had just discovered another world. I thought about my dream job, as an architect in whole different level. I wanted to find out more. So I organised to speak with an architect, and it was one of the best things I have ever done.”
Kobe, Year 7 participant in Future Focus.
Holiday Camp program brings smiles to young faces
Our annual Holiday Camp program saw 174 children from across Victoria experience joy, fun laughter and friendship at our Malmsbury and City camps.
Holiday Campers making origami lotus flowers
Throughout January we offered five-day programs for primary schoolaged children who are experiencing significant disadvantage in their home lives. Children staying at Malmsbury Camp got to experience the Australian bush and its many associated delights such as horse riding. Young people staying at City Camp had a more urban experience that saw them getting on trams for the first time, visiting the MCG and even learning circus skills and origami on St. Kilda beach.
Sending children to Holiday Camp was the focus for our 2016 Christmas fundraising appeal. Thank you to everyone who supported us.
University Pathways inspires secondary school students
Our University Pathways Program offers students in Years 9 – 12 an insight into professional careers and study pathways.
UPP Students celebrate the final stage of their journey through the program
Throughout the multi-year program, students visit university campuses and faculties as well as corporate workplaces where they engage employees in conversations about their careers and what study was required to get there. All of this learning is supported by extensive developmental workshop activities that assist to build personal skills and aspiration. Workshop topics progress each year so that they are age-appropriate and complement school-based learning. We offer the University Pathways Program to disadvantaged schools and students free-of-charge and are able to do so with the support of our wonderful trust and foundation partners such as the Newsboys Foundation and trusts managed by Perpetual.
Our first-ever group of students to complete the full program have just completed their final residential at City Camp. This group of students have been really grateful for all the opportunities and we are proud to share Liang’s feedback below.
“An endless thank you to you all from the beginning to what seems like the end, but we all know you’ll always be there where ever our journey may take us.
The opportunities to visit law firms, insurance companies, not-for-profit charity organisations, and more. Each place we went to left a mark on us, as we got to see how truly wide the world is. I was able to have my mind broadened, from the wisdom and stories shared by people who worked in those places with unshakeable determination.
Each time when we had networking dinners, it made me realise that this person who is in the top of their field, is just like us – human. That each of us have the potential and the endless possibility to do something great, and to inspire and be role models for the younger generation.
You have helped shape the journey, paths and dreams of us. Despite this year being the last camp I go on, I feel less scared of VCE going in with a community and family like you guys behind me. You have prepared us and motivated us beyond what words can express.”
Liang, Year 12 participant in the University Pathways Program
Michael’s transformational Cadetship experience
Photo (State Library) Michael Tran: 2nd Year Cadet
The power of the Cadetship program is immeasurable. For 2nd Year Cadet Michael Tran it’s been a journey of challenge, personal and professional development and crucial confidence building. Michael is studying a double degree in Law & Arts at the Monash University and completing his work placement at top tier law firm, Allens Linklaters. Here he tells his tale of transformation.
I have always been fascinated by Alice in Wonderland,who fell down the rabbit-hole and found herself in a cycle of adventures that tested her courage, intellect and perseverance. Strangely, I resonate with Alice’s whimsical adventures, through my experiences as a first year Cadet.
Unlike Alice, who fell down the rabbit-hole, my first day as a Cadet involved rocketing up the other direction in an elevator…37 floors up to be exact. I felt anxious and daunted. A first-year law student, with no knowledge about the legal industry, was about to step foot into a global top-tier law-firm. Nonetheless, the doors opened and I was greeted by the sign Allens, a place I would call my Wonderland for the next five years.
Photo (Allens Office/Melbourne Skyline): “Climb mountains not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world.”
Prior to my Cadetship journey, my self-confidence had always been clouded by my experiences in high-school, where I had always felt isolated, judged and misunderstood. My past had stripped me of my true personality and my self-belief. I always feared what others thought of me. I was afraid of not ‘fitting in.’
Yet, since stepping out of that elevator, I have been showered with endless support and guidance from my two mentors; Pete and Chris who have enlightened me about the importance of self-confidence in the ruthless legal industry. I was reassured that being a young and curious Cadet at such a large law-firm, was an advantage, as I could afford to make mistakes and to ask questions and to learn from them.
I was inspired when I became a member of the Cadet cohort, all of whom have persevered through their own hardships, but managed to find the strength to fight through.
And it was then I realised, that my past does not define me.
Photo 3 (Fellow Cadets): Cadets (L-R): Shelley Fenech, Michael Tran, Grace Davidson.
I began to gain a level of confidence that was previously, non-existent. I had the courage to network with other lawyers at Allens, casually and professionally. I was confident enough to tackle new tasks without any fear of failing. I had the self-belief to project the best version of myself to the world. I was no longer afraid, of being ‘me.’
This Cadetship and my time at Allens has allowed me to grow so much as a person, professionally and personally, in ways I never thought were possible. As each day passes, I continue to develop the passion, qualities and skills required for the legal industry and to live a more confident life, knowing that everyone involved in the Cadetship program, is cheering me on.
I can’t go back to yesterday because I was a different person then.
Herald Sun Online & Macedon Ranges Leader – Holiday Camp
Publication
Herald Sun Online and Macedon Ranges Leader
Program
Holiday Camp
Summary
Doxa’s Camps Program has been giving young disadvantaged children a positive life experience for over 40 years.
In the Summer holidays of 2016/2017, Doxa’s Malmsbury Camp saw many of these young people take part in the program and enjoy the great outdoors. They participated in a variety of activities designed to build personal skills and teamwork while incorporating adventure, learning and fun.
Why do you volunteer at Holiday Camp Emily Phan?
Emily Phan is a Junior Camp Assistant at our Holiday Camp in Malmsbury. She’s passionate, talented and super friendly. She’s also a participant in our University Pathways Program. Let’s find out more about why Emily has volunteered on Holiday Camp for the second year in a row…
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m Emily. I’m a 3rd year University Pathways Program (UPP) student in Year 12, so I was the first group who participated in the three-year UPP. I live in Hillside which is about 40 minutes away from Malmsbury Camp.
What’s your favourite Holiday Camp activity and why?
Horsemanship. I don’t get to spend much time around horses normally and I love seeing the new campers have a go, challenge themselves and do something new. They really enjoy it and it’s a pleasure to see the look on their faces!
Name some of the things that matter to you in society
I really care about refugee rights as I love working with young people, especially those from refugee backgrounds. In my spare time I volunteer, teaching Grades 1-8 who are behind at school with literacy and numeracy. They’re mostly Karen, from the Thai-Burma border. I’ve been doing it for about a year now as a friend in Werribee set up the program.
Tell us a top memory from Holiday Camp
When we did the cooking elective we were making sushi (yum!) The campers got their hands so sticky with rice they accidently (I think) wiped it all over their faces. In the end, they actually got more on their faces than they did on the seaweed!
One word to sum up your experience as a Junior Camp Assistant
Invigorating 🙂
Thanks so much to our amazing volunteers. We literally couldn’t do it without you. If you’d like to volunteer at Doxa yourself or would like to know any more about our programs drop us a line at info@doxa.org.au
22 yr old Castlemaine youth says company boards need young people
Castlemaine resident Gabrielle Breheny is young, ambitious and amazingly, at just 22 years old, she is already a Board member for a social enterprise. She is keen to see more young people on boards of organisations in Victoria as well as across Australia.
Gabrielle says: “I am super passionate about being a Board member. Having young people on a Board can really help inject energy, progressive thinking and vigour to an organisation. Another element that is really important for Boards is that they maintain their company’s vision and mission.”
Gabrielle initially became involved in Melbourne-based social enterprise, the I CAN Network through the Doxa Cadetship program in 2013 when she attended a youth leadership camp at Doxa’s Malmsbury site and was introduced to the organisation’s founder, Chris Varney.
Having already developed leadership skills, communication skills and navigated complex environments as part of her professional development in the Doxa Cadetship program, Gabrielle was eager for a new volunteer opportunity. After getting involved, she has slowly worked her way up to the position she is in now as Board Member, Chair and HR Director.
In addition to her work as a young Board member, Gabrielle is in her fourth year studying Psychology at Monash University. She also has a work placement and mentor at the Australian Taxation Office which is arranged through the Doxa Cadetship program.
Doxa run programs for disadvantaged young people from across rural, regional and metropolitan Victoria so that everyone can access positive life experiences, education opportunities and employment pathways.
Find out more
For any media enquiries, please contact Belinda Rowse (details below). A downloadable .pdf can also be obtained by clicking the button below.
Belinda Rowse
03 9046 8200
browse@doxa.org.au
[eventbutton text=’Media Statement’ link=’https://dev.doxa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Young-Board-Member-Media-Release-2016_01.pdf’]
Local 21 year old to attend Geneva’s Refugee Negotiations
21 year old Noble Park resident Arif Hazara is heading to Geneva in June to represent Australia as part of the UNHCR negotiations with NGOs to discuss issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers. An active member of the community, Arif has achieved great things since he arrived from Afghanistan as an unaccompanied minor and asylum seeker in 2011.
Arif is no stranger to youth advocacy; he played a vital part in the Greater Dandenong Youth Think Tank in 2013, attended a 3 day summit in Sydney hosted by the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network in 2014 and has spoken at many conferences such as the recent “Paths To Change” conference run by ASRC affiliate Road To Refuge. Alongside all this, Arif works full time as Assistant Accountant at East Malvern based business Dennis Family Homes. He also volunteers as a student mentor at RMIT University where he is in his third year studying Accounting.
Arif is part of the Melbourne based Doxa Cadetship program, which supports young people from challenging life circumstances in their transition from school to University. The Cadetship program provides financial support, professional development and a work placement at a sponsor company.
Arif Hazara says: ““My passion and purpose is human rights and refugee advocacy and I am proud to represent Australia in Geneva in June. Since arriving in the Dandenong area I have received fantastic support from those around me, including Doxa and Dennis Family Homes. They gave me the support and confidence I needed at university and allowed me to gain some invaluable professional work experience. This confidence has also helped me on my way to Geneva.”
Stephen Silk, Doxa Chief Executive Officer, Doxa says: “We work with a variety of young people, including many of newly arrived or refugee status and we support them in integrating into the community and networking with young people. Arif is not only an inspirational individual and a fantastic ambassador for our Doxa Cadetship program but he is also a testament to how important young people are in our community.”
Find out more
For any media enquiries, please contact Belinda Rowse (details below). A downloadable .pdf can also be obtained by clicking the button below.
Belinda Rowse
03 9046 8200
browse@doxa.org.au
[eventbutton text=’Media Statement’ link=’https://dev.doxa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Doxa-Media-Statement-Arif-Hazara_01.pdf’]
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