Cape York Leaders Program graduate Kieron Saunders is inspiring kids and teens who are experiencing the same struggles he did as a student. Photo: Cape York Leaders Program.
A scholar’s journey from downward spiral to inspiring mentor is showcasing the difference that access to quality education can make.
Cape York Leaders Program (CYLP) boarding students attended the annual back-to-school leadership camp late last month, preparing themselves to take on another year of learning new skills and gaining confidence.
CYLP alumnus Kieron Saunders, who recently graduated from the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, attended the camp as a mentor.
After graduating as a secondary scholar in 2020, the Cooktown and Hope Vale man said he originally returned to the camps to reconnect with old faces, but realised how much some students struggled in education — a struggle he knew all too well.
“Some students, they can flourish on their own. Some others, they struggle, and I completely understand that struggle,” he said.
“I always go back to let them know that even if they struggle, they can still succeed, considering even I managed to do it.
“You will fail in life, but don’t think that’s all life is going to be about; you will have your great moments.”
Mr Saunders said the camp also served as an opportunity to connect with younger students and offer them more help to break the cycle.
Through the camp, he was able to reconnect with a nephew who was facing the same challenges he faced as a child.
“I heard he was struggling in school, and what I wanted to figure out was, he’s a good kid, so why is he struggling?” he said.
“I reached out to him and just told him bluntly, I want you to succeed, I want you to do well.
“He’s had some real issues in his life, so I understand, but I know that just like what happened with me, you just need someone who will stick through and believe in you.
“He’s probably in the moment where he doesn’t believe in himself, and that’s why I want to try and assist him the same way one of my teachers did for me.”
CYLP team leader Tamara Hunting said people like Mr Saunders demonstrated exactly what the program was all about — young community kids growing up to mentor their own.
She said camp students ranged from Year 7 to Year 12, giving older students an opportunity to start stepping up for their younger peers.
“Year 7s get to meet new people that are going to be at their school before they go, so it’s not just a big culture shock,” she said.
“We do try and buddy them up, so we’re sending two grade 7s to a school, but they also have the older kids at the school that are looking out for them.
“Even at the camp, that’s how the rooms are set up, and that’s how the activity groups are set up, so they have mentors within their group, and they’re already on the front foot when they go to school.”
The Cape York Leaders Program camp connected students from across communities before they went off to various boarding schools in the region. Photo: Cape York Leaders Program.
