Life in regional Western Australia offers wide open spaces, untouched landscapes and close-knit communities — but it can also bring challenges for many young people.
Wheatbelt and Beyond Youth Mentoring (WBYM) is inspiring big dreams and better futures for regional, rural and remote youth through its mentoring program, connecting country kids to a holistic network of adult mentors.
Having both raised their children in the Wheatbelt, Co-Founders Karen Strange and Janine Dayman understood first-hand the difficulties faced by country kids when transitioning from adolescence to adulthood.
The duo developed and ran a mentoring program at Bruce Rock District High School for almost a decade, and in 2019 WBYM was formed.
Janine Dayman said many people in the metro area don’t realise that lots of district high schools in the regions finish at year 10, creating barriers for young people completing their secondary education.
“Regional, rural and remote young people are exposed to a limited variety of careers and opportunities in their small communities, with few professional support mechanisms,” Janine said.
“They often have to make decisions about their future earlier than young people in the city, to access the most appropriate education for them.
“This can involve studying in isolation through School of Isolated and Distance Education (SIDE), taking long daily bus rides to the nearest senior high school, or leaving home to board away.”
While young people prepare for and manage these hurdles, WBYM connects them with a mentor, who provides exposure to a life outside their town and someone with different experiences to talk to.
In 2023, a Lotterywest grant of $310,000 supported WBYM to expand their program further, reaching more young people in regional, rural and remote district high schools.
Karen Strange said since expanding, more than 500 children across the State have benefitted from the program, building belief in a bright and productive future for themselves, their families and their communities.
“Having an ongoing connection with somebody outside their local community opens the eyes of these young people. They have someone to talk to who doesn’t know their family, their town and all its business, who they can talk to with no pre-judgement, and ask for support,” Karen said.
“It’s about making these young people feel important, that they matter too and providing equity in their lives. Everybody needs that feeling to live a fulfilled and happy life.”
Lotterywest CEO Colin Smith said WBYM was contributing to more equitable education outcomes in areas facing the disadvantage of geographic and social isolation.
“Giving young people the help they need to thrive, build confidence and work towards a bright future is something Lotterywest is proud to support,” he said.
From 30 June, WBYM’s annual camp will see 75 regional, rural and remote youth from four regional schools come together to participate in activities across three days in the Swan Valley.
Sessions will be held on leadership, mental health, and career development, along with plenty of opportunities to connect, socialise, and share experiences.
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