Jada Keen commenced the Deadly Youth Mentoring Program earlier this year after finding herself at a crossroads and needing some support to get back on track.
After joining the program Jada worked closely with her Deadly Youth Mentor, Daisy Gordon to establish short-term and long-term goals which would guide her on a positive pathway. Jada identified increasing her school attendance, obtaining casual employment and making junior representative teams in Rugby League as important goals.
Daisy worked closely with Jada to achieve these goals – providing transport to school and football training, developing a resume, applying for employment and providing Jada with volunteering opportunities at Souths Cares to develop her employment skills.
Jada demonstrated a great commitment to the mentoring program and it wasn’t long before she started reaping the rewards of her hard work. A gifted Rugby League player, Jada was selected in the Under 14’s Female Junior Bunnies Squad and enjoyed the opportunity to test her skills against other emerging and gifted junior Rugby League players.
Jada also won her Under 14’s grand final playing for Redfern All Blacks; becoming the Club’s top try scorer and the competition’s leading points scorer throughout the season.
Jada then achieved her employment goal – securing casual employment after school at a restaurant in Bondi, working in a customer service role. Jada was thrilled to land her first job and explained her success was built on a foundation of hard work.
Jada Keen, Deadly Youth MenteeI had never worked before, but getting a job trial and winning the Under-14's grand final has showed me that success follows hard work. Big wins can come when you least expect them.
Deadly Youth Mentor, Daisy Gordon stated Jada’s growth over a short period of time was inspirational.
“Jada has always been mature for her age and has stayed committed to achieving her goals. To see a young girl like Jada step out of her comfort zone and do what she has done in this short period of time has been inspiring – I am so proud of her”, Daisy said.
Jada’s future goals include saving her money to fund upcoming sporting trips, working hard at school and eventually being selected in the South Sydney Rabbitohs Lisa Fiaola Squad.
The Deadly Youth Mentoring Program will continue to support Jada as she works towards achieving these goals and pursues her exciting future. The program is proudly supported by the National Indigenous Australian’s Agency.
