Meet Jo-Nesha!
At the time, Jo-Nesha, was a very shy 14-year-old girl living in Cairns and after initially attending activities designed to positively engage young people, was identified with leadership potential.
Jo-Nesha also became involved with ‘We all dance – 3M project’ that PCYC Queensland and a group of Cairns services implemented to improve engagement within three suburbs of Mooroobool, Mununda and Manoora. As the result of a music video, created with local rap artists Last Kinnection, telling the story of hope the young people have for their community, 3M were then invited to dance with the Brisbane Ballet.
More recently, Jo-Nesha and three of her friends formed Baiwa Kazil and were invited to attend the 30th Annual International Association of Blacks in Dance conference being held at various locations across Los Angeles.
“My time in LA was a ‘dream come true’. We learnt so many new things and met so many people who gave me inspiration to be myself. My time overseas really showed me how important life is and you only get one opportunity.”
Today, Jo-Nesha has completed both her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and Level 1 State Youth Leadership Program (SYLP) with PCYC Queensland. Jo-Nesha said it was a challenge to trust people she didn’t know at SYLP. “I got to know people and build a strong connection with them during the program, so to learn to trust new people was a big deal for me,” she said.
The PLC program, delivered in partnership with other organisations, creates many opportunities for all participants, like those for Jo-Nesha. The development of positive life skills is life-changing and the ripple effect within the Cairns community is also significant.
With leadership skills and strategies, Jo-Nesha now has the confidence to encourage others to get out of the house and have fun. “Life can be hard sometimes, but you’ve just got to get through it, so I help the young kids out when they need it,” she said.