Gunnedah High School students have wrapped up their Youth Frontiers experience with their end-of-year showcase.
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The 22 students shared the details of their community engagement projects they planned and completed throughout the year and received recognition for the difference it made to locals.
The Youth Frontiers program has allowed the students to take away valuable skills they will use in school and in future workplaces such as making professional phone calls and emails, organising meetings, networking, public speaking, and much more.
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Youth Frontiers program coordinator Ashleigh Walton has been with the students throughout the entire program, and said each student has grown more confident.
She said the program has shown "that young people should not be underestimated in their capacity to make a real difference for the community" and was very proud of them all.
"Each week I looked forward to our mentoring sessions because of your positivity, enthusiastic energy, and hard work ethic. You overcame any challenges that came your way, and proved that you really are capable of anything you put your mind to," Ms Walton said.
"Thank you so much for participating and I genuinely wish you the very best for your future endeavours, I know you have very bright futures ahead."
Ms Walton said the program was also of great benefit to the community, too.
The students select their own projects that they are genuinely passionate about completing.
- Youth Frontiers' Ashleigh Walton
"It provides an opportunity for local people and organisations to be supported by the student projects in various ways, including fundraising of resources and participation in activities," she said.
"The students select their own projects that they are genuinely passionate about completing, so each year there are dozens of opportunities for the community to benefit in different ways."
Ms Walton is now recruiting mentors for the 2020 program.
"If you are over 18 and available for two hours per week during school hours, we would really appreciate your help to make the program as successful as possible for the next group of students," she said.
"If we have mentors the program can run more efficiently so students and community will both benefit at a much higher level. You can apply by going to www.ywca.org.au/volunteer and following the link for the New England area."