Salvo awarded Sydney Youth Worker Award
A youth worker from The Salvation Army’s OASIS Youth Support Network has been awarded the Sydney City Council
Betty Makin Youth Award.
Jason Poutawa won the Youth Worker Award and has received a $500 scholarship. He says it’s an honour to receive an award for doing a job that he loves:
I feel really privileged, not only to have the opportunity to work with so many incredible young people but to also have the support of Oasis who have guided my professional development the whole way through.
Jason received the award at a ceremony at Sydney’s Redfern Town Hall on Tuesday night.
While Jason was lucky enough to have a roof over his head growing up, life was not easy. He was bullied at school and the housing estate he lived in was plagued by young people who were troubled by drugs and alcohol, and involved in acts of theft, violence and vandalism.
The Salvation Army established a Community House within Jason's estate and his world changed. Jason began attending camps, school study sessions, sport activities and was also mentored by people that continue to be a positive influence on his life.
Instead of following the negative culture that was set by other young people in the area, Jason became passionately involved with sports ministries for kids in the community – providing positive activities that were also fun!
In 2007 Jason received a Sports Achievement Award and a commendation in the category of Community Service at the Housing NSW Youth Achievement Awards. Since achieving this award, he has completed a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs work and has been working at The Salvation Army’s OASIS Youth Support Network for nearly four years.
Jason began at OASIS as a trainee working withthe 'Get Skilled 4 Work' and the 'Freeway' programs. After completing his traineeship Jason was appointed as Freeway Coordinator.
The Freeway program aims to increase young people's confidence and skills and ultimately reduce drug use by providing fitness and recreational programs. Young people learn new skills, socialise and learn to have fun without the interference of drugs and/or alcohol.
OASIS Therapeutic Programs Manager HayleyTroemml-Wilson says the job is intense, but Jason has the perfect personality for the role: “It can be no easy feat facilitating up to 10 young people at any giving outing. Jason has good communication skills, flexibility, humour, patience and insight to be able to juggle teenagers with varying coping skills to face new challenges such as surfing, fitness and rock climbing just to name a few.
Being a young person himself, Jason provides the young people at OASIS great role modelling with many of the young males looking to him for guidance and advice.
Over the years, Jason's role has changed to include supervising the Outreach Fitness Centre and the facilitation of the Champions Leadership Program.
“Jason is an integral part of the OASIS family and we are all extremely proud of him achieving this recognition through the City of Sydney Council,” says Hayley.
Report by Lauren Martin
Photo by Shairon Paterson
Comments
Good Work Jason, It is rewarding to see young people achieve, and for you to know 'I', supported them..... It does become a grand recognition, and reward. I, am in the process, of doing a T.A.F.E course, to support our community in the same way you have, and are.... Proud of you, I sincerely am. May God Bless You.. xo