Mentor scheme to nurture leaders

A successful youth mentoring program that helps nurture the next generation of aspiring leaders was launched in Broome by Youth Minister Tony Simpson recently.

Marja Mob is co-ordinated by the Indigenous Communities Education and Awareness Foundation and includes youth development initiatives, mentoring, cultural awareness training, networking events and skills workshops.

The ICEA Foundation is a youth-driven, not-for-profit organisation that works closely with young people in remote WA communities and high schools in the Perth metropolitan area.

The program started in Perth as a way to bring young people together, develop their leadership potential and break down cultural barriers.

Broome Marja Mob, sponsored by Shell, is a peer support program where emerging leaders mentor younger students and has a specific focus on developing leadership, mentoring skills and crosscultural understanding.

It will operate in all primary and high schools to encourage students to stay in school, link with other young people and develop personal and leadership skills.

The launch was held at Bedford Park on May 30 during Reconciliation Week, and attended by community representatives, including Kimberley MP Josie Farrer and Broome Shire president Graeme Campbell.

Guest speakers included ICEA chief executive Lockie Cooke and Shell Australia social investment manager Jenny Odgers.

During the event, Mr Simpson praised the success of the program.

"It fits well with the Aboriginal family of teaching and learning but also the mentoring process that we can help develop those relationships to make sure our young people are well resourced to go into the world," he said.

Newly appointed program co-ordinator Tonii Skeen said she was delighted to play an important role in the initiative.

"I'm very excited for the ball to start rolling and for changes to start happening and I'm very happy I'm involved in that."