“My friends suggested I come along to Visionwest Youth Solutions because it was a safe place to learn and to prepare for life. 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 admits to not ‘clicking’ with school before he came along to Visionwest’s Youth Solutions programme. “My school grades were low, and my health was unstable. The one thing I knew for sure is 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.”
Like many young people, Kane struggled at school and admits that what he really lacked was a supportive person in his life who could direct him and journey alongside him as he set future goals and then strived to achieve them.
Arriving at Visionwest Youth Solutions
“When I arrived at Visionwest, I met Salata. She was so nice to me. Whereas before I was bullied and had no support, 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.”
Now Kane has hopes and dreams for his life. He still wants to find a good job and still thinks about scaffolding but realises there are other possibilities provided he keeps working hard and stays focussed.
“If it wasn’t for Visionwest, I’d be nowhere. No way would I be achieving any goals. I wouldn’t know how to even set goals for myself. Everything has turned around for me. Here, people really want to be my friend.
“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.”
Within his Visionwest Youth Solutions programme, Kane’s key person is Adam who takes the students once a week for sport. That’s a big step forward for Kane – he used to dislike sport. Now he’s the goalie in soccer.
Kane credits Visionwest’s Youth Solutions with turning his life around. He came because a friend recommended him to. Now he recommends Visionwest to others assuring them that, if you’re struggling, Visionwest is the best place to be because everyone is there to help you.
Click here to find out more about Visionwest Youth Solutions.