Staff from Power Community Ltd commenced the Empowering Youth program at Henley High School on Friday. The program, which has been running on a smaller scale for a number of years, has been revamped and reenergised and is ready to roll out in secondary schools across SA.

The Empowering Youth program encourages students in years 10-12 to make the right choices in relation to their health, wellbeing, education and future career path.

The program offers students the opportunity to participate in a healthy lifestyle education program which encompasses healthy eating, physical activity and education on smoking and alcohol. The program also involves a range of other topics which contribute to physically active and socially engaged young people within the community. These topics include decision making, leadership, role modelling, goal setting, career pathways and career preparation.

The interactive workshop design allowed students to share their experiences, dreams and passions as well as getting involved in team building and leadership activities. Legend of the game Russell Ebert and up and coming magpie Robbie Young, were more than happy to join in the fun!

An important aspect of the program is to not only allow the staff to get to know the students, but also the students to find out about the staff. The students listened with intent and interest as each staff member shared a bit about their background and how they got to be where they are today. Staff opened up to the students and allowed them to hear about any struggles and barriers that they have had to overcome in their different pathways.

The program aims to empower young people to make positive choices and demonstrate resilience throughout their life. The students at Henley High were attentive and enthusiastic in their approach to this new program and are looking forward to our next visit.