12 business-minded young achievers. They’re motivated. They’re talented. They’ve got a place at uni. And they’re incredibly tenacious – they’ve overcome enormous barriers on their pursuit to stay engaged in education. They’re studying degrees in: STEM, Business, Finance, Law and Arts. All they need is a sponsor company to back them, so they can complete their education, realise their professional career goals and pursue their dreams.
We have shortlisted these future stars from a diverse range of challenging backgrounds from across Victoria for our 2018 Cadetship program. We are now looking for corporates to partner with to create a life-changing experience for these young people experiencing disadvantage.
That’s where you come in.
CSR-aligned social investment opportunity
This CSR-aligned social investment opportunity means that your company will have:
A talented university undergraduate working for you for up to 8 weeks per year for 3-5 years
An opportunity for skilled volunteering/mentoring for your existing staff
Our support
And we’ve made it easy for you. We provide you with a shortlist of talented applicants, on-boarding support, mentoring support and admin assistance. Your company provides a work placement, Doxa provides the support, and we partner to create a life changing opportunity. We are with you every step of the way to make it a valuable experience for all involved.
Who you’ll be working with: diversity & inclusion
You’ll be working with some truly impressive young people who are equipped with the drive, resilience and growth mindset to succeed and navigate the workplace of the future. Many have faced socio-economic disadvantage, others have come from a refugee/asylum seeker background and some have come from rural/regional Victoria. Overcoming hardship has given them the determination and drive to succeed.
Be part of the solution
The challenge we face is that we have 12 incredible young people from our shortlist to place at sponsor companies by mid-April. We need your assistance to provide the solution. Get involved and become a Cadetship sponsor company today.
Let’s talk. Please contact Michael Walter, Cadetship Program Manager or Kumari Fernando, GM, Development Programs today to find out more: mwalter@doxa.org.au / kfernando@doxa.org.au or call 03 9046 8200
Future Insights student, UPP volunteer and Melbourne University student Layal Al Ashkar
I am Layal Al Ashkar. I am a 20-year old student studying International Relations and Media/Communications at the University of Melbourne. Today is International Women’s Dayand I would like to share with you what this means to me, how I will press for progress and what we can all do to make the world a better place to be for women.
Although I was born and raised in Australia– a place where I believe I am fortunate enough to perhaps experience less vulnerability than other girls and women around the globe- that is not to say that I grew up oblivious to the disparity which continues to exist even in the most cosmopolitan of countries and communities. Neither, does it mean that I grew up blind to the human rights violations and inequalities occurring on a global scale. Being a daughter of Lebanese migrants ensured I was confronted by the inequality endured by women – particularly prevalent in the flawed rights to freedom, education and the minimal or lesser opportunities available.
Understanding, and appreciating the opportunities I have is why I am driven to play a crucial role in change- the only constant in our society.
Layal with her female family members for International Womens Day 2018
International Women’s Day (IWD) means much more to me than a single day to celebrate ‘women’ . It is the depiction and ongoing reminder, of how far we have come in gender inclusivity, yet how far we have yet to go. It is about understanding that sealing the gender gap is over a century away and this task requires global, collective progress. It is about advocating the importance of maintaining a gender parity mindset and empowering young girls.
This year, I have decided to focus on celebrating women’s achievements – this is my part in the #PressforProgress theme and here is how I aim to do so!
Celebrate women role models and their journeys & support women’s success
Being able to connect with others who are invested in commemorating and supporting other women is essential. A key, respected role model of mine is Emma Watson who has used her fame to contribute to Women’s Rights and worked with the UN for the HeForShe campaign. I will continue to support her work and that of others like her, by sharing, contributing and acknowledging the time and effort she is investing as an activist, within my influential sphere.
With digital technology as advanced as we have ever known, it is now more than ever that we must continue to strategically use social media platforms to share and praise one another’s achievements- particularly in the gender parity agenda.
Value women’s individual and collective success & ensure credit is given for women’s contributions
IWD plays a crucial role in reaching and combining the efforts of global governments, women’s organisations, business, and charities across the world. An essential form of giving credit is ensuring that all these divisions are working collectively towards eradicating the gender gap.
Collective efforts become historic legacies which can be carried on through generations as proof of success and further inspiration. I vow to contribute in giving credit where it is deserved, regardless of status and gender. This includes acknowledging the hard work of those around me as well as that of all women around the world through sharing success, acknowledging and building upon the past efforts.
“No country can develop if half its population is left behind” – Justine Greening, UK Development Secretary
Believe achievement comes in many forms
Every life is as vivid and complex as the other. Individuals have varying ideas of what ‘achievement’ means. The ever-evolving concepts of female roles in society often shape these ideas and I will strive to respect all forms of achievement.
Achievement takes effort, skill and courage- values which are implemented in various ways to achieve various outcomes. In believing this, I hope to aid in the instillment of these values in all girls and women. I will strive to achieve this by supporting my family, friends, social sphere and further reaching out to assist young girls through volunteering for programs, including Doxa’s Future Focus and Universities Pathways Programs.
A united world is achieved through a united movement. So on the 8th of March and every other day, what will you do to #PressforProgress?
Students from Lakes Entrance Primary School attending our City Holiday Camp
We are currently in the process of developing a Reconciliation Action Plan. This brings us a step closer to becoming a culturally safe, inclusive and supportive organisation for the increasing number of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people who participate in our programs.
We have submitted a draft to Reconciliation Australia and will be continuing to build our connections and relationships with the Indigenous community as part of this important work in 2018.
Holiday Camper enjoying a cooking session at Malmsbury Camp
Doxa Holiday Camp is a highlight of the year for many of our young people from challenging life circumstances who look forward to their chance to get a much-needed holiday, either at our Malmsbury or City Camp. It’s an opportunity for them to have fun, make friends and enjoy new positive life experiences.
At our City Camp this year, we saw 30 campers from across Victoria take a trip to Melbourne CBD to participate in activities including: stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking on the Yarra and our now-famous “Masterchef” burger cooking challenge.
And at our Malmsbury Camp, we hosted a record 149 Campers. Many thanks to our dedicated team of 30 volunteers – we literally couldn’t do this without you! Highlights from across the camps included: horsemanship, swimming, circus skills and even a visit to Kryall Castle.
Holiday Camper parents’ feedback:
“At last week’s camp at Malmsbury, my daughters went and had an absolute ball. It was so good for their self-confidence as it was at an all-time low. You people are just amazing and I thank you so much for everything you do”
“I am the foster mother of a young person who attended and loved your Malmsbury Summer Camp this year. We have never seen him so happy after a camp before. He was full of enthusiasm and told us all about the activities and other kids…and it was really positive which is amazing for him.”
We have now interviewed around 100 amazing young people and shortlisted 45 for our 2018 Cadetship program.
These young people are resilient, determined, ambitious and incredibly talented. They’ve all got a place at university; they just lack the financial backing and professional network needed to succeed.
Students may have come from a low socio-economic background, have had tough times at home, come from single parent families or be from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background. Many are the first in their family to attend university.
Every year we match as many young people as we can with a sponsor company to support them throughout university, and we are always looking for new program partners.
10 places have already been found, with 35 more spaces available.
If you work for a company that has a CSR alignment and is interested in supporting a young person throughout their degree with a work placement, a mentor and financial assistance, then please get in touch: cadet@doxa.org.au
Heart-warming feedback from our Year 12 UPP participants
January 2018 saw the delivery of the final University Pathways Program session to our Year 12 cohort.
These young people are the first group to have participated in the full four-year consecutive program from Year 9 through til Year 12 – a great achievement for everyone involved! During this time, they have developed their communication skills, confidence and conversational capabilities in order to present their best professional selves.
Understanding life at University, insights into the professional world and skills development are some of the key outcomes of UPP. Students learn about values-based decision making, enterprise skills, study skills, success strategies, health & wellbeing, resilience and goal setting across the four-year program.
Workplace and university visits for this group in 2018 included: BT Financial Group, The Big Issue and Swinburne University. At the networking dinner students developed professional connections with individuals from Telstra, Russell Kennedy, Citipower/Powercor, Arnold Bloch Leibler and more.
It has been so wonderful to see the growth and development of these young people, as we support them through an often turbulent and challenging time in their lives, and on to brighter futures.
Some heart-warming feedback from our Year 12 University Pathways Program students:
“In these last four years, I have made changes to my learning and lifestyle from advice I have received from Doxa and I changed to be a better person. I became confident!”
“This is an enlightening experience about completing Year 12 and beyond. This will help me complete my studies.”
Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and the young people who participate in our programs. Alessia Roujenikova is a Doxa Cadet Alumnus who knows all about this, having spent so much of her spare time guiding the next generation at Doxa’s University Pathways Program this summer holidays, as well as volunteering on other programs throughout the last year. We caught up with Alessia to tell us more.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Hi, I am Alessia. I’ve recently completed a Bachelor of Commerce at Monash University majoring in Accounting after attending Footscray City College, Melbourne’s inner West. I was very fortunate to be offered a place on Doxa’s Cadetship program and a work placement with Baillieu Holst Ltd.
I greatly enjoyed my four years with the financial services firm, acquiring knowledge and experience in a professional environment to help set up a foundation for my career path.
Since then, I’ve secured a full time graduate role at KPMG in the Audit Assurance Risk Division.
Alessia featured in the Herald Sun in 2017
Why do you volunteer at Doxa?
During the last two years of my degree, I studied part time to create more free time to focus on my wellbeing, get back into my hobbies and take up volunteering opportunities with Doxa.
I decided to dive-in on the opportunity to be a Team Leader on a University Pathways Program (UPP) and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made yet. Doxa staff were there to support me in my growth personally and professionally, so it felt super rewarding in-turn being able to impart my experiences and knowledge to younger students in that mentoring capacity and give back.
“I wish I had guidance from students in their university years to tell me back then what I know now.”
I continue to come back for numerous reasons; growth in leadership skills, having lots of fun, meeting the other amazing team leaders and most importantly, being continuously inspired by the young individuals that go to these UPPs with a hunger to learn.
Since that initial opportunity, I’ve volunteered on: Future Focus, Future Insights and the Peer-to-Peak Performance Program. I hope to continue to make a positive contribution in future years for these programs as a Doxa Alumnus.
Volunteering as a Team Leader on UPP
What are your top 3 tips for UPP students unsure of what to do next?
Study in the area/field you are interested inI believe that if you follow what you love doing, you’ll find your calling.
Do not have a “year 12 is the be-all and end-all” mindset What you choose to study in year 12 does not determine your outcomes in life, they are moreso a stepping stone into uni that opens you up to a world of opportunities.
Ask LOTS of questionsA lot of what we learn is not in theory, but off our experiences in interacting with others.
“I’ve seen so many UPP students learn so much from their discussions with networkers and team leaders, helping broaden their mindset on opportunities that exist out there and how to incorporate their interests with those opportunities.”
UPP students and volunteers before a networking dinner
Share a favourite memory from a recent UPP you volunteered at?
In the last UPP session, I ran a session for the students advocating the important of taking care of mental and physical health. During the UPP farewell as the students were heading off, a couple of them personally approached me and thanked me for the impact that my session had made on them and how they’ve learned a lot on such topic that is usually never addressed at this stage of their life. It was truly heart-warming and is what makes me so motivated to help mentor young individuals.
Thanks so much to Alessia for sharing her thoughts and experiences, and to all 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
It’s an exciting start to the year for a group of young people in Grades 4-6 from the Dunolly and Rheola area near Maryborough. This week a group of nine children from the area are getting a welcomed summer break and heading to Doxa’s residential Holiday Camp in the bush outside of Malmsbury.
The 5-day specialised program incorporates activities ranging from horsemanship and challenge by choice activities (high ropes and a climbing wall) to cooking sessions and even circus skills! In addition to this, there are also arts & crafts activities, gym games, river exploring, archery and bush walking.
Amongst all the fun and friendship-making activities, the students will get to experience the Australian bush, learn about the local environment and Indigenous history of the area.
Through participating in Doxa’s Holiday Camp program, these Maryborough children benefit from a range of enriching experiences. They also build self-esteem and confidence, improve their positive connections to peers and adults and get a well-deserved opportunity to have fun, laughter and joy.
Holiday Camp is an exciting opportunity for young people from challenging life circumstances from across Victoria to experience fun and learning activities in the Australian bush.
Ends.
Media contact: Belinda Rowse |browse@doxa.org.au | 03 9046 8207
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