Making childhood dreams come good
Kyle pursuing his passion on the football field. (Photo supplied by Adrian Kistan)
Many boys dream of playing professional sport as a career. For country boy Kyle, an innovative Salvation Army program is giving him a chance to make his dreams come true.
The Salvation Army’s Indigenous Community House on Sydney’s northern beaches is a partnership between The Salvation Army and Northern Beaches Christian School. Indigenous students from rural areas receive a scholarship from the school, and complete their studies while living at the community house with ‘house parents’ Adrian and Natalie Kistan and their own three children.
Kyle is one of three teenagers – all from Moree in western NSW – who are now living in the community home.
A descendant of the Gamilaroi tribe from northern NSW, Kyle is in his second year of the program and in year 12 at Northern Beaches Christian school. Ever since he was a small boy, Kyle has dreamt of becoming an NRL player. In fact, it was one of the main reasons he wanted to be a part of this program, alongside getting a great opportunity to study.
Kyle’s also keen to become a positive role model to young Aboriginal people and one day give back to The Salvation Army for helping him aim for his dreams.
“I wanted to come for the footy but also do year 12 in a distinguished school and get a good education... so I got accepted to come,” he says. “I train for footy four or five days a week and love the sport!"
His move to Sydney was supported by the local elder of his tribe and also his family. But it was still “a little bit of a shock,” he says. “We have bonded well and I have a good relationship with the family [the Kistan’s]
“They have encouraged me to follow my dreams and they'll support me all the way.”
Kyle says he has loved being able to educate his new friends and people that he meets about his Aboriginal heritage: “It’s a good opportunity – a lot of people ask about my family and culture and where I come from. I usually show them the Indigenous map and point out what tribe I'm from and tell them about the history of what happened.
“I keep in touch with the culture by ringing family, brothers, cousins, friends, uncles, and aunties. They come and watch me play [NRL] games. My history is part of who I am and where I come from, that’s what my parents always say: ‘Never forget who you are and where you come from.’"
Territorial Indigenous Ministry Coordinator and house parent of the Indigenous Community House, Adrian Kistan and his wife Natalie are passionate about the ministry.
“Our desire is to help the students achieve their dreams, goals and desires for a fulfilling life. In that, is for them to understand who they are in Christ. It’s a limited life without Christ in it,” he says.
“We want to help them develop a healthy and positive life through the food they eat, the nurturing they receive, their social interactions, and their academic opportunities. It’s a holistic approach and a real privilege. We encourage them to be proud of who they are as Aboriginal people and to be proud of their culture. It’s who God made them."
And what has become of Kyle’s dreams?
"Oh, and I forgot one thing," he says, "I just signed a three-year deal with the Manly Sea Eagles!
“Coming from a small town is pretty hard, but everyone has a dream they can reach – they just have to make the right choice."
You can support through prayer, finances, tutoring the kids, or considering becoming house parents. Contact Adrian Kistan: adrian.kistan@aue.salvationarmy.org
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