Mallee Accommodation and Support Program’s Youth Mentoring Program is headed to Tasmania from Saturday for a five-day hike through the Tasman Peninsula National Park.

Since it began in 2006 the program has enriched the lives of over 220 underprivileged and disconnected youth in the Sunraysia area, supporting them through mentoring and exposing them to positive life experiences and challenges.

“The trip to Tasmania was the culmination of the hard work and dedication of the mentors and mentees in the program to train over a number of months in preparation for the hike,” MASP Acting CEO Charmaine Calis said.

“MASP is proud to be making a difference in the lives of these young people through the mentoring program and would like to thank our wonderful mentors for giving their time to serve the community and be role models for their mentees.”

The seven program participants and their mentors experienced the Tasman Peninsula, Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen and the Three Capes throughout the 56- kilometre journey.

“A lot of work went into training for this trek, and the mentees hopefully built even greater connection with their mentors while finding out more about their own resilience and ability to overcome challenges,” MASP’s Manager – Children, Youth and Families Andrew Ball said. “From this it is hoped they will be able to increase their capacity to build positive connections and help improve their self-confidence and physical and emotional wellbeing.”

To follow the MASP Youth Mentoring Program journey follow MASP on Facebook, visit this link.

This article appeared on  Back Country Bulletin  on 23 September 2024.