Kane was struggling at school – he experienced bullying and his health and grades suffered. As he explains:
“I didn’t enjoy school at all. The only thing I knew for sure was that I wanted to learn a trade. I was open to anything, but I was really keen on scaffolding because that’s what my brother did.”
Some friends of Kane’s suggested he come along to Visionwest because it was a safe place to learn and to prepare for life, as he says:
“If I hadn’t taken their advice, I’m not sure where I’d be. I certainly wouldn’t be achieving the goals that I am right now.”
Kane joined Visionwest’s Youth Solutions programme, and something clicked. He made friends, applied himself to study and set goals for the future. He even took an interest in sport playing goalie for the Youth Solutions team.
Kane recognised that he needed someone supportive who could journey alongside him, as he explains:
“When I arrived at Visionwest, I met Salata. She was so nice to me. Before I was bullied and had no support, but she accepted me as I was. She encouraged me and everything changed. My grades went up. I had friends who valued me for who I was.”
Kane credits Visionwest’s Youth Solutions with turning his life around. He came because a friend recommended it, now he recommends Visionwest to other young people who are struggling, as he says:
“Visionwest means everything to me. Everyone helps each other and looks out for each other. I feel like I’ve met a new family. In fact, sometimes I think, if I could, I’d come back as a teacher aide and work here.”