EnergyAustralia Red Cross Youth Challenge helps young people aged 12 – 18 years old to develop and implement a community project of their choice. Individuals and groups are encouraged to work in partnership with schools and youth groups to meet local needs.

Participants research, plan, implement and evaluate their chosen project or select a project nominated by the local community. Projects usually last for anywhere between one day and eight weeks, but can also be longer. Each team is guided by a mentor (teacher, parent or community member over 21) and a comprehensive resource kit.

Examples of projects include setting up a breakfast club at a local school, creating a community garden, organising a clean up campaign at a local park or establishing a youth radio program.

Red Cross supports participants by providing quarterly newsletters, participation certificates, access to guest speakers, recognition on the Youth Challenge website and linking young people to available projects.

Participation in the program benefits young people by giving them increased knowledge of their local community and the problem solving and project management skills to help make improvements. Teams also learn about interdependence, diversity, tolerance and teamwork on a practical level.

The Youth Challenge can be easily linked to the school curriculum and can provide a great way to establish relationships with other schools, youth groups and Australian Red Cross.

For more details on Youth Challenge download the Youth Challenge fact sheet.