Hiep Do already has visions of making a difference in his Sunshine community.
The 20-year-old, who has volunteered with YMCA Victoria for about a year, has been chosen to be part of the YMCA’S new youth empowerment program YMCA Kidstarter.
The program is a take on popular online crowd-funding platform Kickstarter and will enable Hiep to set up his own leadership program in Brimbank.
Through the program, Hiep will connect to people who can help him build a leadership program that inspires disengaged young Vietnamese people.
“I hope in the future to develop a leadership program for young Vietnamese Australians in the west because I feel the Vietnamese community hasn’t had much opportunity to integrate ourselves into the wider community,” Hiep said.
“Growing up, we have a lot of role models but not many role models from within the Vietnamese community.
“I want to develop a program to help young Vietnamese Australians to see themselves as leaders.”
Through the YMCA Kidstarter website, people can offer support by mentoring, opening networks, providing contacts and work experiences, or sharing skills and time.
Hiep will need a location, equipment, promotions and contacts to get going.
“Hopefully, by the end of the year, I’ll have something concrete and ready to fully roll out next year,” he said.
For details or to help out: www.ymcakidstarter.org.au
