Guided by Country and community, Nate shines in learning and life
Grounded in a strong connection to Country, Nate came to the Education First Youth Foyer navigating challenges that had disrupted his schooling and stability. With the right support and environment, he’s now thriving — pursuing academic excellence, building independence, and emerging as a young leader in his community.
Nate (not his real name) is a proud First Nations young person living at one of Launch Housing’s Education First Youth Foyers, delivered in partnership with Brotherhood of St Laurence and the local TAFE. Now completing Year 12, Nate brought with him a strong sense of purpose and independence and has embraced the opportunities offered through the Foyer model.
Transitioning into the Foyer provided Nate with a stable and supportive environment where he could focus on his goals. With wraparound support from his Youth Development Worker, Nate was able to connect with health services and engage in ongoing counselling, which helped him build emotional stability and a sense of safety.
‘I was able to direct my own goals’
Education, independence and ambition
Initially, Nate’s school attendance was inconsistent, reflecting the challenges he had previously faced, as well as broader systemic challenges faced by many First Nations young people within the current education system. Through close collaboration between Nate, his school, and his Youth Development Worker, a tailored support plan was developed. As a result, his engagement with school has significantly improved. Nate is ambitiously working toward an ATAR in the 90s, with aspirations to pursue higher education in nursing, medicine, or STEM.
In parallel with his academic studies, Nate is undertaking a Certificate I in Developing Independence, which is supporting him to further build his self-awareness, resilience, and practical life skills. He also works casually in hospitality and is actively exploring other employment opportunities.
Cultural identity and community leadership
Nate maintains a strong and meaningful connection to Country, regularly visiting his family. At Foyer, he has been supported to continue fostering his cultural identity, as well as his community engagement and advocacy. This has included contributing to First Nations youth storytelling projects, Headspace’s Movember campaign, and volunteering with Clothing the Gaps. A highlight for Nate was participating in the Indigenous AFL Round as part of the Honor Guard, alongside other First Nations students from the Glen Waverley and Broadmeadows Foyer programs.
A future defined by strength and opportunity
Nate’s journey highlights the positive impact of the Education First Youth Foyer model. The model provides stability, culturally informed and responsive support, and an approach known as advantaged thinking. Advantaged thinking is a strengths-based approach which considers external factors influencing a young person’s ability to reach their potential. With this foundation, young people like Nate are empowered to take steps toward independence, education, and community leadership.
