Thanks A Million: Providing hope for young workers in uncertain times

The world has been turned upside down for young people entering the job market. But one teenager is helping others.

The world was turned upside down for so many people in 2020, but for youth in particular, making their first tentative steps in tertiary education or entering the job market.

But one teenager was not only equal to the unique challenges that suddenly confronted him, he devised a means to help others as well.

Although busy studying commerce at Monash University, 19-year-old Nathaniel Diong found time to establish the Future Minds Network to provide skill-building programs for youth.

Nathaniel Diong and his team of 20 volunteers have educated, inspired and equipped more than 11,000 young people from around the world. Picture: Jessica Tran

For his altruistic efforts, he was recognised in 2021 Young Australian of the Year awards for innovation and education, and has now been nominated in the Thanks a Million campaign.

“Unemployment and education has always been something I’ve been passionate about,” the teen entrepreneur said.

“Being a young person myself, I understand what it’s like to feel uncertain about your future. There was a report done by the Productivity Commission recently that said young people now have less employment prospects than the Global Financial Crisis, which is crazy to think.”

In an effort to challenge the gloomy forecast, Diong and his team of 20 volunteers have educated, inspired and equipped more than 11,000 young people from around the world with practical communication and entrepreneurial skills so they cannot only enter the work force, but also create new pathways.

“Many of the students who go through the program have gone on to launch not-for-profit organisations of their own, such as Letters against ISO, which saw 5,000 encouragement letters sent out to the elderly during lockdown,” Mr Diong said.

“Access equity is also a big thing for me, and we’ve been running free and subsidised educational programs during the pandemic for vulnerable communities who need it the most. Education can change the lives of people; it can lift them out of poverty.”

The Thanks A Million Pride of Australia awards recognise those who have gone above and beyond to help their fellow Australians through the challenges of 2020.

Nominate someone at thanksamillion.net.au and they could receive a $200 Woolworths Gift Card.

Terms and conditions apply. For full terms and conditions, visit thanksamillion.net.au

Originally published as Thanks A Million: Providing hope for young workers in uncertain times