Making a difference

What this program allows is for students to explore who they are and practical steps to help them become who they want to be. They have the opportunity to be vulnerable, try new things and grow all in a safe environment.

"My aunt and uncle have seen a massive change in me since the program and it makes them so happy. They tell me every day that I’m getting better. It means a lot to me and I thank The Helmsman Project for that. The program is a great chance for students to experience a big change in their life.”

Today, Rashad Nadir is making a difference in our public hospitals working as a nurse while studying part time to get a masters and continue helping his adopted country after fleeing Afghanistan.

Today Emilio Prince is a picture of strength – arms outstretched firmly on the steering wheel of an American muscle car. You wouldn’t know that six years ago those same arms were desperately outstretched for help.

Anannya Puri is one of the 147 students at Cumberland High School that participated in our first official Wellbeing and Community Leadership program. Anannya shared a reflection of her experience of The Helmsman Project.

Youth mental health and wellbeing is a very big issue in Australia. With COVID-19 leading to increased loneliness and joblessness as well as a lack of social engagement, young Australians need now more than ever the right support to manage - and thrive - through life’s challenges. Mariama, Destiny, Lisa, Lyn, Zeenat, Vivian, Tallara, Milly and Kate from Chester Hill High School took in their stride to bring that much needed support to their peers.

Daliya El Helou is a 2019 graduate of The Helmsman Project and is now a Youth Ambassador of The Helmsman Project. Daliya had no idea the level of impact The Helmsman Project would truly have on her but with her enthusiasm, optimism and diligence, she approached the program with an open mind and as an opportunity to learn essential life skills  that will help her personal growth and development.

In 2014, Dave had the opportunity to be the cohort teacher for The Helmsman Project program at Chester Hill. In 2015, Dave Criniti founded The Run Beyond Project, an experiential program that supports young people as they work towards the accomplishment of a challenging but achievable goal of running a half marathon. Read on to learn about how his participation in The Helmsman Project impacted his new venture...

Suleiman graduated from The Helmsman Project in 2015 and is now a Youth Ambassador of The Helmsman Project. Suleiman is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Wollongong while also working part-time and running a business with a close friend.

Zena Dabaja has facilitated and supported The Helmsman Project at two schools as part of her roles as Principal. Zena spoke at our 2019 graduation and shared these powerful words about the impact The Helmsman Project has on young people.

Dr Gordon Spence reflects on his time volunteering with The Helmsman Project

The Helmsman Project is truly a life-changing program, the positive effects of which have been filtered through the school and local community at Cumberland High School.

New to Australia, new to coaching and sailing, and new to The Helmsman Project. Rader Antwi was looking to experience something different and break out of her shell - that, is exactly what she got.

When signing up to participate in The Helmsman Project 2017 program, Adwithiya Puri had no idea the impact the program would truly have on him. Adwithiya shared his story with us describing the program as “A path to a better you”.

Justin Whiting is one of our 2014 graduates and is a member of our new The Helmsman Project Youth Board. Here is his story about his experience on the sailing adventure...

When we asked Shania what The Helmsman Project was about, she responded: "The Helmsman Project is about you... You becoming a better person; You changing for the better."

Emma Roulston was a participant in The Helmsman Project’s Summer 2015 program and “came out of it totally changed”. Her journey is one that inspires us...

My name is Rashad. In my sixteen years, I have had two life-changing journeys on a boat. The first was when I came out to Australia from Afghanistan. The second was The Helmsman Project.

What an amazing journey. Arriving here today represents a significant achievement for a number of
people.

The Helmsman Project empowers young people to reach out to their local communities and, through this, to fulfil their own potential.