Sunshine’s Jackson Thiep made a commitment to put his best foot forward … and he’s doing just that as a leader in Brimbank.
The South Sudan refugee sought asylum from his war-ravaged country nine years ago.
The father of three said he had committed to turning his life around and being a role model for his children. With that in mind he began studies at Evocca College, Sunshine.
Mr Thiep, 29, is tackling a diploma of community services, which he hopes to finish by next year.
He has also been accepted into the New and Emerging Community Leadership program.
The program, run by Leadership Victoria, gives participants the chance to develop confidence, network with different sectors and mentors.
“My goal is to establish myself in the community and come up with a potential leadership program, to involve others to realise that community is important,” Mr Thiep said.
Mr Thiep is already working hard to make a difference in his community and volunteers as a youth project officer at Brimbank, where he helps to empower Sudanese youth make better life choices and integrate better with this society.
He said he was passionate about helping people and supporting the community.
“I like to work with people and I like to help people.
“I want to be someone within the community who can help the community grow.”
Mr Thiep said he was particularly committed to helping young people find their feet and discover new opportunities.
He encouraged youth to get involved in their neighbourhoods and build support networks, like he had.
“I’ve seen a lot of people just wandering around – they don’t realise they can change themselves for the better,” he said.
