Training equips Kodan to follow his calling

Hundreds of chaplains and youth workers are showing God’s love to young people thanks to your support, and also through qualifications they’ve earned through the SU Australia Institute of Training (SUIT). 

Kodan, a 2021 graduate, found SUIT gave him a toolbelt of knowledge to help young skateboarders thrive in his local community. 

As a Team Manager for the Boardstore Grom* skaters (aged between 5-13) on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Kodan mentors young people navigating a world of sponsorship deals and competitive careers.

“Originally, the plan was to become a ‘skate-park chaplain’ through SU Australia, but when I took on the Boardstore Grom Team Manager role, I found I was using all my newly learnt Youth Work skills specifically with the eight *groms in my team,” says Kodan.

“It’s been an awesome opportunity to practice hands-on youth work.
I love it.”

Kodan says studying his Certificate IV in Youth Work with SU gave him practical mentorship skills, which he is now paying forward to his community.

“My heart is to build healthy communities, and I learnt some great things studying with SU,”
says Kodan.

“I really enjoyed the theory – especially the content around building healthy relationships with young people. In the past, I’ve worked in more of a friendship/mentoring role, so I found the tools really helpful in a professional setting.”

Kodan’s story is a great example of how we can make a difference by saying yes to the opportunities God provides. 

If you (or someone you know) is looking to answer the call to work with young people, head to suit.edu.au and get the skills and training to take that next exciting step. 

*Grom is the slang term for young participants of surfing/skateboarding/snowboarding sports.