Teenagers from The Growth Project out to change negative perceptions

A group of teens are getting their hands dirty in a bid to change their community’s negative perceptions. Here’s how they’re paving the way for a brighter future.

Josh Barnes

less than 2 min read

February 8, 2019 - 12:00AM

Moreland Leader

Malok and Aleu of The Growth Project.

North West

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From a Brunswick East bowls club a group of teenagers are planning and potting ways to help change their community’s negative perceptions.

The Growth Project is made up of boys predominantly of South Sudanese heritage, who meet regularly at the Brunswick Bowling Club to plan their next activity.

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The group gathered sponsors for their first major activity late last month — creating front gardens for homes in Collingwood.

In the summer heat, the team mulched front yards and planted trees to create the gardens.

Group member Agok said the boys were set on changing perceptions about their community.

“The purpose of the Growth Project is to develop skills so younger kids can look up to us and hopefully learn and take over the project,” he said.

“It’s really important because we can’t just be what (others outside the community) think we are, we have to show we are different.”

Members of The Growth Project undertook community work in Collingwood.

Fellow member Aleu said he used the group as a way to give back to the community and set an example for younger people.

Mark Bloodworth co-ordinated the project and said they the boys collected sponsorships with Bunnings Warehouse and Jim’s Mowing to help with the planting.

“I wanted the give the kids a chance to show some leadership in the community, to show some initiative and grow better bonds with the community,” he said.

“After we finished the gardens, one of the mum’s from the home came out and said ‘thanks so much, I actually love my home now’. The cool thing was to watch all the neighbours interact with the boys.”