Meet Ryley Maurovic. He is a Year 10 student from Mark Oliphant College who recently completed the Empowering Youth program.

Ryley attended the Empowering Youth graduation ceremony last week where he was presented with a certificate by program ambassador and Power player, Alipate Carlile.

Lisa Kennedy, Power Community Ltd’s youth programs officer said Ryley has come in leaps and bounds since she first met him.

“During our first lesson he was disruptive and didn’t show much interest in our program, but as the weeks went on, his attitude towards us, the program and his schooling in general changed,” she said.

Through his engagement in the program, Ryley started to recognise the importance in completing his education and planning for his future.

He identified a strong interest in hands-on learning having successfully completed work experience in the construction industry.

“He became an active participant in our program and was diligent in completing the tasks given both in class and at home,” Lisa said.

Ryley said his participation in the Empowering Youth program has changed his attitude.

“Before the program, I spent a lot of time out of class, running a muck, hanging with my friends and not doing all of my work,” he said.

“Now I’m starting to get on track a bit more at school, doing a lot more of my work and staying in class because I get the privilege of doing things like the Empowering Youth program,” Ryley said.