Emerge update: participants learn about the realities of life on the streets
May 2009
The Emerge Youth Leadership Programme is a joint initiative of The Spastic Centre and the ING Foundation, aimed at developing the leadership potential of young people aged 17 to 24 with cerebral palsy.
Managers from across ING’s four Australian businesses meet with the young leaders fortnightly for one-on-one coaching and skills sessions. Emerge aims to work through three spheres of leadership - connecting to your strengths, connecting to your world and connecting to your potential. The Urban Walk with Hope Street was one of the exposure visits designed to open up the world we live in and take a closer look at leadership issues that are more often than not put in the "too hard" basket.
Emerge Youth Leadership Programme participants had the opportunity to learn more about issues in our local area, in particular those issues affecting people living in and around Woolloomooloo, when they went on the "Urban Walk" with Hope Street. ING Australia Talent Manager Adam Buxton shared his experiences below.
For many of us, when we think of Woolloomooloo we think of the vibrant eateries and expensive boats moored around the waters edge. Yet just a few streets away from the glamorous waterside restaurants, the world is a very different place. Here, the Emerge participants were last week exposed to some very real issues of the area.
We were very quickly confronted with a community of homeless people; the space was silent yet all around us were dark figures huddled up corners trying to keep warm. As a group we heard stories about the abuse or psychological problems that many of these people have been exposed to and that has ultimately led them to a life on the streets where they have then become targets for drug pushers or violence.
I suppose it’s easy to judge a homeless person and say what you feel they should do to change their path, but the experience showed me that it just isn’t that easy. We went on to hear how the homeless struggle for the smallest element of self dignity or normality but it was apparent that these would be extremely rare experiences.
I guess the good news is that not everyone wants to push these people under the carpet and forget about them. We heard about a number of active initiatives from leaders within the community aimed at supporting these people and making a difference to their lives. We were pleased to hear that there were success stories as a direct result of these initiatives. It was evident that with a little compassion and determination people really can make a difference.
Kids on the Payroll
Calling all ING staff! Sign up for this Workplace Giving initiative and make a commitment to helping those less fortunate this year. In addition, ING will match your contribution dollar for dollar. Make a difference to kids in need today!
Donations and Deposits
Are you looking to make a donation to the ING Foundation? Are you a staff member who has carried out fundraising in support of the ING Foundation and its charity partners, and need to deposit it?
ING Staff
Did you know that all ING staff are entitled to one paid day of leave a year to take part in volunteering activities?