“Incredibly relevant”: New report reflects positive impact of Conviction Group’s events
By Harry Easton
Conviction Group’s latest Impact and Reach report has revealed the outstanding positive changes that events such as The Young Men’s Health Forum and Boy’s Mentoring Program have had on students.
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Asked to reflect on Conviction Groups’ Presentations, Programs and Forum, teachers and students who took part in these events have responded with overwhelmingly positive feedback.
“The boys were completely engaged and really connected to the messages and issues being addressed,” said Scott Lebens, Year 10 Assistant Advisor at Kingswod High School. “This should be a compulsory event for all schools, as it is incredibly relevant and important that young men discuss mental health, healthy relationships, body image and other issues addressed.” |
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Mentoring Programs found to be incredibly beneficial
The Boys Mentoring Program received strong feedback from the students who attended. The Program is run over 9 or 18 weeks, and involves a Program Mentor working with up to 16 male students. The Program creates a ‘conversation’ with students about the issues concerning young men and focuses on topics relevant to them.
As part of the 2019 Impact & Reach Report students were asked if they would describe the Boys Mentoring Program as both enjoyable and beneficial. 86% of students agreed that the program was enjoyable, while 100% agreed that the program had been beneficial for them.
Nicolas Zuvela is one of the Conviction Group mentors at the Boys Mentoring Program and says these figures reflect the goals of what Conviction Group is aiming to achieve.
As part of the 2019 Impact & Reach Report students were asked if they would describe the Boys Mentoring Program as both enjoyable and beneficial. 86% of students agreed that the program was enjoyable, while 100% agreed that the program had been beneficial for them.
Nicolas Zuvela is one of the Conviction Group mentors at the Boys Mentoring Program and says these figures reflect the goals of what Conviction Group is aiming to achieve.
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"These presentations are incredibly impactful on students’ lives. We have seen through the feedback that a huge number of students have had added to or changed their perspectives on the topics,” said Nicholas.
“This report is a great reflection of where we are as an organisation and really paints a picture of not only how many students we’ve reached, but the impact we’ve had on these students. There’s a great generation of young Australians.” Nicholas says he volunteers as a mentor as he enjoys connecting with the students. |
“Throughout the presentation, I really feel that I can relate to what the students are going through in their high school lives.
“And because of this, there is a mutual respect that is developed with myself and the students, especially over nine weeks in a mentoring program.
“There is also such a great opportunity to get real with the students, there’s no barriers between the mentor and the students, everyone gets on board and really takes on their own individual responsibility.”
“And because of this, there is a mutual respect that is developed with myself and the students, especially over nine weeks in a mentoring program.
“There is also such a great opportunity to get real with the students, there’s no barriers between the mentor and the students, everyone gets on board and really takes on their own individual responsibility.”
Presentation feedback “extremely validating”
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Conviction Group also runs ‘Wakeup Presentations’, which focuses on decision making on nights out. A team of young, engaging presenters, like Seppi Rouzbehi, share their personal experiences as a young person to connect on a deeper level with male and female students, with the aim of providing simple tools to help students develop their decision-making processes in a social environment.
“It is incredibly empowering to be able to share my personal story as part of the Conviction Group Presentations,” says Seppi. “Also, the workshop and discussion structure captivates the audience and allows them to openly participate in our presentations." |
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The 2019 Impact and Reach Report found that over 90% of students believed each Presentation topic (mental wellbeing, drugs, healthy relationships and alcohol) was beneficial, which excites Seppi.
“Seeing such high figures of positive impact are extremely validating and make me even prouder to be a part of such a powerful team. It is also amazing to know how positive and helpful the audience find our presentations.”
“Seeing such high figures of positive impact are extremely validating and make me even prouder to be a part of such a powerful team. It is also amazing to know how positive and helpful the audience find our presentations.”
“As a volunteer, we are the role model"
The Young Men’s Health Forum also received great feedback from the students who participated, with 90% agreeing that they would continue to discuss the topics addressed at the forum amongst others. The Forum is a day-long event, which sees hundreds of Year 10 male students from different schools listen to expert speakers who aim to inform, engage and empower all attendees on a range of topics.
The students, split up from their peers and placed in groups with students from other schools, then complete small group discussions on the topics they’ve heard. The discussions are led by Conviction Group’s volunteer facilitators, who help students share their perspectives.
Cameron Gardiner has been a facilitator for over 5 years and says he loves being able to start conversations amongst students.
“As a volunteer, we are the role model. We are the most relatable person in these young men’s lives and the open door for them to express their thoughts and emotions.”
“It’s a joy to see the young men facilitate their own conversation and understand that we all share similar vulnerabilities.”
“Hearing these young gentlemen share their stories amongst strangers and seeing the relief in their body language when they’ve realised it’s okay, is what keeps bringing me back to Conviction Group.”
With an eye towards kickstarting Forums and Programs again soon, Conviction Groups hopes to continue creating positive change in the community and starting conversations that empower young people.
The students, split up from their peers and placed in groups with students from other schools, then complete small group discussions on the topics they’ve heard. The discussions are led by Conviction Group’s volunteer facilitators, who help students share their perspectives.
Cameron Gardiner has been a facilitator for over 5 years and says he loves being able to start conversations amongst students.
“As a volunteer, we are the role model. We are the most relatable person in these young men’s lives and the open door for them to express their thoughts and emotions.”
“It’s a joy to see the young men facilitate their own conversation and understand that we all share similar vulnerabilities.”
“Hearing these young gentlemen share their stories amongst strangers and seeing the relief in their body language when they’ve realised it’s okay, is what keeps bringing me back to Conviction Group.”
With an eye towards kickstarting Forums and Programs again soon, Conviction Groups hopes to continue creating positive change in the community and starting conversations that empower young people.
