Student Luke Howley hikes Kokoda Track with police as part of youth program
A 16-year-old student speaks out about hiking the notorious Kokoda Track, alongside other at-risk youth and police.
Geelong
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If Luke Howley ever doubts his direction in life he thinks back to his experience walking the Kokoda Track.
The 16-year-old year 10 student spent 12 days hiking the notorious 96 kilometre track with other at-risk youth in September.
Though the path was challenging, Luke had the support of Leading Senior Constable Andy Brittain and a group of other committed mentors.
The Kokoda Youth Program, now in its seventh year, is a life-changing program aimed at turning the lives of vulnerable young people around.
Before embarking on the program Luke was disengaged from school, his peers and family.
“I was just going through challenges in my life and the program provided a bit of guidance – it was a very progressive moment in my life,” he said.
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Luke had never been on a plane before embarking on the journey and said he had never experienced anything as challenging as walking Kokoda.
“I was unsure of my direction in life and what sort of pathway I wanted to choose,” he said.
“I was lacking focus in school. The whole track experience – the training, meeting people from all different backgrounds – it helped me push through these challenges in life.”
Luke said the most life-changing moment was the second night of the trip when he and others started to reflect on home life.
He said the moment sparked a change which had help transform his relationship with family and friends.
Since establishing the Geelong arm of the Kokoda Youth Program in 2013 Sen-Constable Brittain has assisted dozens of young people to grow mentally, emotionally and physically.
“It’s about changing lives and adding that support network for young people who might be missing out on opportunities,” Sen-Constable Brittain said.
“We help guide them and show them what they can achieve.”
The program is supported through donations and runs yearly.
Originally published as Student Luke Howley hikes Kokoda Track with police as part of youth program
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